The newspaper “Sport” reported that the Barcelona administration was close to hiring a coach before Xavi Hernandez changed his decision and confirmed that he would continue in his position for another year.
After a meeting on Wednesday with Joan Laporta, Xavi’s decision to continue in his position came 90 days after he announced that he would leave Barca at the end of the current season.
According to the newspaper, the current Bologna coach, Thiago Motta, has reached advanced stages of negotiations with Barcelona, and he was the closest option to succeed Xavi.
Despite the presence of other big names such as Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel, the Barcelona administration was leaning towards the Italian coach after the amazing levels he presented with Bologna this season.
The alternative plan in the event that the contract with Motta failed was to contract with Rafael Marquez, who all sources indicate was the first choice of the sporting director, Deco, while Laporta preferred the Italian.
Ultimately, the curtain fell on this story with Xavi confirming his continuation, and Motta is expected to receive other big offers after he practically guaranteed qualification with Bologna for the Champions League next season.
