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Published 11:17 IST, February 1st 2024

'Everything he touches turns to gold': FC Barca being urged to appoint WC hero as Xavi's successor

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has pitched FC Barcelona to bring a club legend back and appoint him as the successor of Xavi.

Reported by: Pavitra Shome
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Xavi Hernandez reacts during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Osasuna at the Olimpic Lluis Companys stadium | Image: AP
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FC Barcelona is going through some challenging times, be it from the financial and winning aspects. The problems seem to be pouring in for the Catalan club as the team's head coach and manager, Xavi Hernandez, has announced his departure from the La Liga outfit at the end of the season. Following Jurgen Klopp's announcement, Xavi's revelation was another jolt to the football world. Amid the buzz around the club's next manager, a former footballer has made an epic pitch for the same.   

3 things you need to know

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  • Xavi has announced his exit from FC Barcelona at the end of the season
  • FC Barcelona has produced football icons like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and more
  • Pep Guardiola, Tata Martino, and Luis Enrique have been the managers of the Catalan Club  

Also Read: Jurgen Klopp unearths another gem as Conor Bradley shines in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Chelsea

Ex-Liverpool midfielder urges FC Barca to appoint club legend as its manager

After Former Spanish midfielder Xavi announced his departure from FC Barcelona, speculations have surrounded the La Liga club's next manager. As the management turns their attention towards the scenario, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy thinks one individual is the ideal choice for it and stands out above the rest. He asserted that Lionel Messi ought to take Xavi's place because everything the former Barcelona player and current Inter Miami star touches turns to gold.

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"I’d give it to Messi. The fans are on board straight away. Everything he touches turns to gold. He was put on this earth to do amazing things. It’s not going to stop in management," Danny Murphy said while speaking to talkSPORT.

Lionel Messi acknowledges supporters as he leaves the pitch during the second half of a preseason friendly MLS soccer match against FC Dallas at the Cotton Bowl | Image: AP

After rumours circulated that Mikel Arteta had told Arsenal he intended to leave the team at the end of the season, his name was in the mix. However, Arteta and Arsenal swiftly put an end to the rumours, calling them fake news.

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Also Read: ‘Do like Lionel Messi...’ -Di Maria cautions Garnacho on emulating Cristiano Ronaldo's celebrations

Messi's admiration for FC Barcelona is unmatched, and he sought a return to the Catalan club after his exit from Ligue 1 club PSG. While the Argentine superstar's interest to return remains strong, it is yet to be seen in which capacity will Blaugrana bring him back.

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11:17 IST, February 1st 2024