Barcelona reserves boss Rafa Marquez admits it would be difficult to turn down the opportunity to succeed Xavi after the legendary midfielder announced his exit at the end of season
Barcelona reserve boss Rafa Marquez has admitted it would be difficult to turn down the chance to manage the first team after Xavi announced he would leave his role at the end of the season.
Xavi’s reign as Barcelona The coach ended in farcical circumstances on Saturday evening when he announced his decision to quit at the end of the following season lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal.
The 44-year-old, who admitted he would leave his post even if his side won the Champions League, revealed the news while sitting 10 points behind rivals Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
Marquez has been tipped by some as one of the favorites to land the job and has vowed to ‘continue to prepare’ for the role.
‘It is a shame that the first team suffered this defeat. “I think the board will have time to think about it, between now and the end of the season, to choose the coach they decide, it’s in their hands,” the former defender said.
Rafa Marquez has admitted it would be difficult to turn down the chance to coach Barcelona
Xavi’s reign as Barcelona coach ended in farcical circumstances on Saturday evening
Barcelona suffered a 5-3 defeat against Villarreal and is 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid
I will continue to prepare myself, obviously I am very happy with the work I am doing with the boys. It’s part of the process and it comes at the right time when it’s my turn.’
When asked by reporters if he would like to take on the manager’s job, Marquez replied: “Who wouldn’t be, right?
‘But the most important thing is that I continue to prepare myself, because this is my second season as coach here. To prepare myself in case that moment presents itself. You can’t say no to an opportunity like this. And if the time comes, I will try to be available and do my best.”
Marquez led Barcelona’s reserve side to a fourth-place finish last season before losing to Real Madrid in the play-offs.
The home defeat against Villareal was just one of three damaging defeats in a month to forget for the Catalans.
Xavi’s side lost to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final before being dumped out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao earlier this week.
Barcelona is now ten points behind Real and will be back in action against Osasuna on Tuesday evening.
