Football
Barcelona got dumped by a successful coach. I’m at the best club where I want to make history, explains coach’s decision
Things are busy in Catalonia right now. The reason? Xavi decided to quit as head coach in the summer and Barcelona must look for his successor. Many names are being discussed, but one can be crossed off by club president Joan Laporta. It’s not exactly common, but the Catalan giant got the boot.
Things are busy in Catalonia right now. The reason? Xavi decided to quit as head coach in the summer and Barcelona must look for his successor. Many names are being bandied about, but one may well be crossed off by club president Joan Laporta. It’s not exactly common, but the Catalan giant got the boot.
Already at the beginning of the season, Xavi decided to take a major step. The legend, who has been coaching the Catalan side since 2021, has a contract until 2025, but it expires in the summer. Barcelona must therefore look for a new coach.
Who that will be is a question that has not yet been answered. There is a lot of speculation in the world media. In Spain, for example, there was surprising information that President Joan Laporta was to approach Frank Rijkaard, the former Blaugranas coach who has been out of work since 2013.
However, this is not the only name that has been linked to the club. Barcelona could reportedly reach out to the likes of Hans Flick, Roberto De Zerbi and Thiago Motta. Some interesting coaches are still out of contract, while others are yet to become available from the summer.
Theoretically, there will be many possibilities. It is worth mentioning that Imanol Alguacil, already a long-time coach of Real Sociedad, was asked about the possibility of coaching the Catalan big club. Could he be on the fence about the possibility? No.
Barcelona got dumped
Imanol has been the coach of Real Sociedad since December 2018. Before that, he was assistant coach and reserve coach of the traditional Basque club. He has come a long way with his total since he has been the A-team coach. His charges play attractive football, have won the Spanish Cup, and are regularly in the top 6 of the Spanish league table.
He is currently 52 years old. He hasn’t coached anywhere outside of Real Sociedad. Imanol has also spent a substantial part of his playing career at San Sebastian. He has a specific relationship with the club. His contract runs until 2025 and his goal is clear. Barcelona doesn’t attract him. He wants to continue his work at the club of his heart.
“I’m at the absolute best club here, Real Sociedad. They trust me and I’m proud to be here. I want to continue making history at Real Sociedad. I just hope they extend my contract here. It’s my wish,” journalist Fabrizio Romano quoted Imanolo as saying.
Source: Fabrizio Romano, Transfermarkt