Since Xavi announced his departure from Barcelona at the end of the season, the search for his successor has been on.
From Pep Guardiola to Jurgen Klopp – the list of potential candidates for the Catalans' next boss was vast. Eventually, the options narrowed down to five-six names. Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, four of those have been crossed out.
Here we name them.
Thomas Tuchel
Despite expressing his desire to coach in Spain, the German specialist has been deemed inconsistent after his quick success in winning the Champions League with Chelsea was followed by a far less impressive spell at Bayern.
Julian Nagelsmann
Nagelsmann's exclusion from the shortlist is reportedly attributed to his lack of experience at the top level. Despite his promising career, Barca may feel that he needs more time before taking charge of a club of their stature.
Mikel Arteta
Arteta's ongoing contract with Arsenal has been a barrier to his candidacy. With Arteta committed to the London club, Barcelona had to look elsewhere for their next manager.
Roberto De Zerbi
While a talented coach, the Italian has yet to manage a big club. This lack of experience at a top-tier team is what allegedly led to his removal from consideration for the Barca job.
While these reasons hold some truth, there's one factor that Barcelona consider more - money. Or rather, the lack of it in their current financial situation.
And, if having experience at the top level was actually a major criterion, they wouldn't have appointed the likes of Pep Guardiola or Xavi in the first place.
