Barcelona next manager odds: Roberto De Zerbi favourite if Xavi is sacked, Pep Guardiola and Unai Emery fancied
ROBERTO DE ZERBI is favourite for the Barcelona job.
That’s according to bookmakers Ladbrokes, who’ve installed the Brighton manager at 5/1 to succeed Xavi if he’s given his marching orders at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona next manager
Ladbrokes odds
Roberto De Zerbi – 5/1
Rafael Marquez – 6/1
Julen Lopetegui – 6/1
Ruben Amorim – 7/1
Michel – 7/1
Unai Emery – 8/1
Pep Guardiola – 12/1
Xavi led Barcelona to the Spanish title in his first full season as manager in the 2022-23 season.
But position is reportedly under scrutiny after back-to-back defeats to league leaders Girona and Antwerp in the Champions League.
The Catalan giants are fourth in LaLiga, and have drifted a full seven points behind Girona and five behind arch-rivals Real Madrid with 16 matches played.
Spanish publication AS claim Xavi is under pressure and hasn’t received backing from any of Barcelona’s hierarchy.
The report adds that the 43-year-old “knows” he has lost the confidence of all six members of the club’s sports commission and finds himself in a “weak position”.
But who could replace Xavi at Barcelona?
Ladbrokes believe that highly-rated Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is the frontrunner at 5/1.
De Zerbi, 44, is considered to be one of Europe’s most exciting coaches and has enjoyed successful spells at Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton.
His attacking philosophies and style of play looks a perfect match for the Spanish heavyweights, and Pep Guardiola’s effusive praise of the Italian will also be viewed as a plus.
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Rafael Marquez, head coach of Barcelona B, is next at 6/1 along with Julen Lopetegui.
Sporting Lisbon’s exciting Ruben Amorim is next at 7/1 having frequently been linked with some of Europe’s biggest sides, including Manchester United.
Michel, who is enjoying incredible success with surprise package Girona, is also offered at 7/1 with some reports claiming Barcelona representatives have already spoken with the manager’s agent this year.
Unai Emery is also among the contenders at 8/1 with Manchester City and Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola priced at 12/1 to make a sensational return to his former club.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “It’s the news all Brighton fans will have been dreading…
“Roberto De Zerbi is already leading the way for the Barcelona job and we’re expecting to see his name head the betting as and when more European giants part ways with their managers over the next few weeks.”
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