Messi backs Xavi to replace Ronaldo Koeman
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has told former club Barcelona that Xavi would be his pick to succeed Ronaldo Koeman, according to reports.
Barcelona first-team coach Koeman was sacked on Wednesday night after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecano.
Former Manchester United and Chelsea forward Radamel Falcao’s first-half strike was enough to condemn Barca to a fourth defeat in six matches.
Koeman’s misery was compounded when Memphis Depay missed a penalty with 18 minutes remaining.
Barcelona are ninth in LaLiga, six points behind leaders Real Madrid who were held to a surprise 0-0 draw at home to Osasuna.
A statement read on the Catalan giants’ website: “FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first-team coach.
“The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva.
“FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.”
And the La Liga club are moving quickly to replace Koeman with Cadena COPE claiming former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has been ‘chosen to sit on the Barca bench next season’.
Xavi won eight La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys and four Champions Leagues during his playing career at the Camp Nou before finishing off his time on the pitch at Qatari side Al Sadd.
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Now a manager, Xavi took over Al Sadd in 2019 and has already won seven trophies with the Doha-based team.
The former Spain international landed in Barcelona on Monday ‘on vacation’ but COPE claim that ‘the reality is different’ with Barca president Joan Laporta looking to appoint him as their new boss.
Messi, who left the Camp Nou for PSG in the summer transfer window, ‘also wants him to lead the team next season’.
It is understood that ‘there is no unanimity in the board of directors regarding the Catalan but Joan Laporta, the person who has to make the decision, wants him on the bench next season’.