Barcelona eye former star Xavi to replace manager Ernesto Valverde: Reports

LaLiga champions Barcelona have reportedly earmarked former player Xavi as man to replace Ernesto Valverde as manr of club. Valverde is under immense pressure at club after ir recent collapse against Atletico Mrid in Spanish Super Cup.

Multiple reports suggest Barcelona CEO Oscar Grau and technical secretary Eric Abidal travelled to Doha on Friday to discuss role with Xavi. 

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Barcelona vs Atletico Mrid: Ar collapse under Valverde

Ernesto Valverde is currently walking on thin ice after ir recent loss to Atletico Mrid in Jeddah. Despite an impressive showing, Barcelona collapsed in final 10 minutes of game to surrender le. 

Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann helped Catalan club to come from behind. However, with  Blaugrana leing 2-1, Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa scored in final 10 minutes to complete a massive comeback for Diego Simeone's men.

Despite winning LaLiga title in last two seasons, y have struggled to replicate league form this time around. Having played 19 league games, y have alrey lost three times. Alongside this, ir poor Champions League run in previous seasons means that fans have repeatedly demanded firing of Ernesto Valverde.

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Ernesto Valverde out, Xavi in?

According to latest media reports in Spain, Barcelona have offered Xavi a two-and-a-half-year contract to be ir next manr. Speculation that Xavi could be on his way to Camp u has been increasing day by day and latest reports suggest that  club legend has a decision to make. Barcelona are said to be keen in wanting Xavi to take over from Valverde immediately.

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However, it still remains unkwn wher Xavi, who is manr of Qatar club Al Sd, is interested in taking over his former club during  mid-season itself or rar at end of it. Al Sd also released a statement to dress ongoing rumours stating that speculation linking Xavi with a move back to Barcelona are 'rmal'.

club remains confident that Xavi remains focused on club's upcoming match against Al Khor on January 21. Al Sd are currently third in  Qatar Stars League behind Al Duhail and Al Rayyan.

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(Im Courtesy: FIFA.com)