BARCELONA ATLÈTIC BOSS RAFA MÁRQUEZ RESPONDS TO XAVI’S SACKING

Set to arrive in his place, meanwhile, is Hansi Flick, a long-time favourite of Blaugrana president Joan Laporta.

Another to have been tipped as a potential installation in the dugout in Catalunya’s capital with a view to next season, though, was Rafa Márquez.

The Mexican is known to be held in high regard by the powers that be at the Camp Nou, owing to his ongoing work with Barca Atlètic.

The lack of managerial options on the market, in turn, saw Márquez’s name pushed as a leading one in the media.

When drawn on whether or not the prospect of replacing Xavi was ever directly put to him during an exchange with the media (as cited by Mundo Deportivo) this week, however, the former defender assured:

“There were no (contacts to manage Barcelona). We have been working in the reserve team.”

Pressed further on whether he has spoken to his one-time Barcelona teammate since learning of his firing, Márquez continued:

“I will take time to talk to him and, as a friend, support him and be with him.”