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5 possible replacements for Luis Enrique at Barcelona

By Harry De Cosemo

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Luis Enrique manager of Barcelona speaks during a FC Barcelona press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Luis Enrique manager of Barcelona speaks during a FC Barcelona press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /
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BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 6: Xavi of FC Barcelona lifts the trophy following the UEFA Champions League Final match between Juventus and FC Barcelona at the Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 6: Xavi of FC Barcelona lifts the trophy following the UEFA Champions League Final match between Juventus and FC Barcelona at the Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images) /

5. Xavi Hernandez

You’re all thinking this is mad, and perhaps you’re right, but it is one for the romantics.

There are many reasons why Xavi, the legendary former Barcelona midfielder and linchpin in the side during the early 21st century, should not take over as coach from Luis Enrique. Most obvious of all is that, at 36, he is still playing for Qatari side Al Sadd and has no previous experience to speak of.

Whilst it has been established that the past doesn’t always matter for Barcelona coaches, it would definitely be too soon for arguably the most intelligent footballer in the club’s history, who embodies them in every sense, to take the job now.

But what is also true is that he will most likely follow in the likes of Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola’s footsteps from the midfield at the Camp Nou to the dugout one day.

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it should also be remembered that, when late former boss Tito Vilanova was in New York receiving treatment for cancer in the 2012/13 season and the team had little leadership, Xavi was among those to stand up and be counted on and off the pitch, strengthening his credentials as a future coach.

Again, to suggest now is the time for Xavi to be given any high level job, let alone Barcelona, right now is incredibly short-sighted. Everyone on this list, and previous holders of the job, all have more experience than him.

That said, the emotional connection could not be stronger, and if or when this appointment does happen it will be met by wave after wave of enthusiasm and approval from the fans.

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