Jorge Mendes, the agent of Jose Mourinho, has proposed the Portuguese manager as a potential replacement for Xavi at Barcelona.
The iconic manager was dismissed by Roma on Tuesday, January 16, following his tenure that included consecutive European finals. Despite the impressive European campaign, Mourinho was let go as Roma slumped to ninth place in Serie A.
This marks the sixth time in Mourinho’s career that he has been relieved of his managerial duties, having previously parted ways with teams such as Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
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Mourinho’s agent is reportedly exploring the possibility of a surprising move to see the former Porto manager take the reins at Barcelona, the bitter rivals of Madrid.
While Barcelona has expressed support for current manager Xavi, the team’s current standing at fourth place in La Liga raises questions. Facing Napoli in the upcoming Champions League round, an elimination could jeopardize Xavi’s position.
Although Mourinho is under consideration, Athletic Bilbao’s manager, Rafa Marquez, is reportedly the leading candidate for the Camp Nou role.
Reports suggest that Barcelona may not entertain Mourinho’s agent’s proposal due to the manager’s complex history with the club. A notable incident in 2011 involving a confrontation with Tito Vilanova, the assistant to then-Barca manager Pep Guardiola, has contributed to the strained relationship. The altercation occurred at the Camp Nou after Lionel Messi’s winning goal, with Mourinho involved in a physical altercation with Vilanova.
In the event of Xavi’s departure, Thiago Motta and Rafa Marquez, both former Barcelona colleagues of Xavi, are mentioned as potential successors at Camp Nou.