A search is already underway to find Xavi Hernandez’s replacement at FC Barcelona at the end of the season following his shocking announcement that he would be leaving the club.
After almost three years at the team that changed his life, the 44-year-old will leave at the end of the current campaign.
With names like Mikel Arteta, Thiago Motta, Imanol Alguacil, and Jurgen Klopp being linked to the position, Barcelona have begun searching for their next manager.
According to Mundo Deportivo as reported by Barca Universal, Barcelona may also consider FC Porto manager Sergio Conceicao as a potential successor to Xavi in the summer.
Since taking over as manager of Porto in 2017, the 49-year-old has amassed a plethora of honors and trophies.
Conceicao and Barcelona director Deco had a brief playing career together. And the report claims that Conceicao gets along well with Deco.
In addition, the Portuguese tactician is represented by superagent Jorge Mendes, who has ‘some influence’ in the boardroom due to his close relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
Conceicao is an appealing possibility for Barca. This is because his contract with Porto expires at the end of the current season.
Xavi was brought in at the club in 2021 following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman due to his familiarity with Barcelona’s ethos and DNA.
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Understanding the Barça DNA is something that would be absent if the Catalans follow the Conceicao path.
But his Porto side have a reputation for playing with intensity and aggression, which was evident in their two UCL group stage matches against Barcelona earlier this season.
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