Luis Enrique and 4 Other Managers Linked With FC Barcelona Post Once Xavi Hernandez Steps Down

• Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that he will step down as Barcelona manager at the end of the season
• Jurgen Klopp has also confirmed he will step down as Liverpool manager once the current season ends
• Luis Enrique enjoyed great success with Barcelona as a player and manager and could return once more

Who will take over the hot seat at FC Barcelona?

That's the question been asked after Xavi Hernandez announced that he would no longer be in charge of the club next season.

The Spanish midfielder made the decision after his side suffered a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal in La Liga. With Xavi stepping down, Sports Brief looks at the five managers already linked with the post.

Managers who could replace Xavi Hernandez

Luis Enrique

Barca's first choice is no stranger to the club, having played for the squad and managed them.

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As noted by Football Espana, current Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is being tipped to return to the La Liga champions. Enrique spent eight years as a player at the Spanish side and served as manager between 2014 and 2017.

During that time, Barcelona won nine trophies. Enrique is also popular among fans and players but is still contracted to PSG.

Imanol Alguacil

While not the biggest name on the list, Imanol Alguacil is no stranger to Barcelona's hierarchy.

All Football reported that the club considered appointing Alguacil before hiring Xavi.

The Real Sociedad manager was considered for the post after his side won the Copa del Rey in 2021. Alguacil continues to work miracles with La Real, as they sit sixth in La Liga and have already qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The only problem the Catalan side may encounter is Alguacil's history with Sociedad. He's been a long-standing part of the team and may not be keen to join a new side.

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Jurgen Klopp

The Liverpool boss hasn't even finished his tenure with the English Premier League side, but he's already been linked with another job.

Barca President Joan Laporta has always been a fan of the German tactician and would be keen to snap him up in a bid to turn things around.

Barcelona could face difficulty in securing the former Borussia Dortmund manager's signature.

While Klopp confirmed that he would be stepping down as Liverpool boss at the end of the season, he also explained that he was doing so because he needed a break. He also made it clear that he won't be taking any posts for at least the next year.

Thiago Motta

Fourth on the list of managers linked with Xavi's post is another former Barcelona player.

Thiago Motta spent eight years at the Spanish side, having started his career there. Currently the manager of Bologna, Motta was surprised by Xavi's decision to step down as the Catalan side's coach.

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He also opened up on links between him and his former side, Goal reported, but was very coy about it.

"When there is news to report, I will tell you, but there’s none today," Motta said.

Rafa Marquez

Last but not least on the list of possible replacements is a coach with close working ties to Barcelona.

Rafael Marquez currently coaches Barca Athletic and admitted that he would not be able to turn the opportunity.

Marquez has impressed as coach of Barca's reserve team and helped them finish fourth in the Primera Federación in his debut season.

He also has experience working with some of the youngsters currently in the first-team squad, like Lamine Yamal. As noted by 90Min, the former Mexico defender is currently focused on his current role but wouldn't pass up a chance to take over the main squad.

"You can't say no to an opportunity like this. And if it comes, I will try to be available and try to do my best."

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Xavi to quit Barcelona at season's end

Xavi Hernandez has made the tough decision to step down from his post as FC Barcelona manager at the end of the current season.

The Spanish midfielder made the decision to step down after his side were beaten 5-3 by Villareal in La Liga, Sports Brief reported.

Xavi led Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first season in charge of the side, but found this season to be much more tricky.