Joan Laporta identifies Mikel Arteta as future Barcelona manager

The former Barcelona midfielder’s future looks uncertain after a sluggish start to the new season

According to reports, Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, is considering Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, as a possible Xavi Hernandez replacement.

After Ronald Koeman left Barca in November 2021, Xavi was named manager. In his first complete season in charge of the Blaugrana, he guided the team to both a La Liga championship and the Supercopa de Espana trophy.

They have, however, struggled this season to win the La Liga championship. With a game remaining, Barcelona is eight points adrift of leaders Girona in fourth place in the standings. This season, they have been not performing at their most successful and have been sweating out wins in the majority of their games.

On Sunday, January 14, Barca was defeated 4-1 by Real Madrid, their bitter rivals, in the Supercopa de Espana final. This has put more strain on Xavi, who has managed Barcelona for 118 games and has won 74, lost 24, and drawn 20 of them.

Journalist Adrian Sanchez claims that club president Laporta has suggested Arteta as a possible successor should things not get better quickly.

Trending World Football Articles:

• Top four players with most goals in 2023
• Top six players with most assists in 2023
• Best goals scored in football in 2023: Ranked
• Top 10 best footballers of 2023: Ranked
• Best football matches of 2023: Ranked

After Unai Emery was fired in December 2019, Arteta was appointed and has performed admirably for Arsenal. Although in his first three seasons, he guided them to fifth, ninth, and eighth-place finishes, the Spaniard has elevated the Gunners to title contenders.

Throughout his tenure with Arsenal, Arteta has additionally taken home the FA Community Shield and the FA Cup. In his 209 games as the North London side’s manager, he has won 123, lost 54, and drawn 32. His deal expires in 2025 with the club.

Pep Guardiola has stood up for Xavi Hernandez in the face of criticism about Barcelona’s play this year. He asked the players to step up and become more accountable for their performances.

Because of his three-peat with Manchester City in the previous season, Guardiola was named the FIFA Best Coach of the Year 2023.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.