Barcelona set to lose Rafa Marquez to Mexico

Despite agreeing on a one-year extension to stay on as Barça Atlètic manager, Rafael Marquez is set to leave and become part of the Mexico national team set up.

The news was first reported by TUDN reporter Gibran Araige following earlier reports that Marquez was among the shortlist of candidates to join the national team.

(Barcelona has since released a statement where they've agreed to part ways with Marquez.)

What this means for Barcelona is the Catalan side is now left scrambling to search for his replacement with the start of preseason right around the corner. In terms of timing, it's not ideal.

What this means for Marquez is much more significant when it comes to his managerial career.

He is going to join a Mexico team in disarray following a disappointing 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America where they were bounced out in the group stage.

Marquez isn't joining Mexico to become their head coach, however, He is joining to be an assistant to Javier Aguirre. The former Mallorca manager is all but set to take over from Jaime Lozano, who was offered the opportunity stay on as an assistant but ultimately declined.

The plan is for Marquez to continue learning under Aguirre until after the 2026 World Cup which is when "El Vasco" will leave. Marquez would then take over from Aguirre and be the Mexico manager for the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Marquez has certainly impressed since taking over as the Barça Atlètic boss. He led the team to the final last season where the team came up short in their bid to earn promotion.

What makes Marquez's tenure impressive is he was able to do so with a side that was getting its players plucked to help out the Barcelona senior side given the injuries. That included the likes of Hector Fort and Pau Cubarsi, the latter who became a fixture at center-back.

It's no secret Marquez was also eyeing the possibility of taking over Barcelona following the dismissal of Xavi Hernandez. With Barcelona opting to go a different route and Marquez only signing a one-year extension, his stay at Barcelona was going to be a brief one regardless.

Barcelona's loss is Mexico's gain. But as mentioned, it does leave Barcelona in a precarious position where they must now fill a vacancy for the 'B' team.