Barcelona's next manager? Rafa Marquez responds to managerial speculation following Xavi departure news

Barca boss Xavi revealed he would step down as manager at the end of the season following his side's 5-3 home loss to Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday. Following that defeat, his former team-mate Marquez has spoken about his desire to take that job one day but admits he is still developing as a coach in his second season in his current post at Barca B.

The Mexican told reporters, via AS: "It's a shame that the first team has had this defeat. I think the board will have time to think it through, between now and the end of the season, to choose the coach they decide, it's in their hands. I will continue to prepare myself, obviously, I am very happy with the work I am doing with the boys. It's part of the process and it will come at the right time if it's my turn."

When asked if he would be happy at taking the job, he replied: "Who wouldn't be, right? But the most important thing is to keep preparing myself because this is my second season as a coach here. To prepare myself in case that moment comes. You can't say no to an opportunity like this. And if it comes, I will try to be available and try to do my best."

Xavi announced this news with Barca 10 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid. The 44-year-old said he had "given everything" he had to the club but there needed to be a change of "dynamic" for the good of the players. The Spaniard, who still has one year left on his contract, took up the role in November 2021 and guided the Catalan team to the league title in his first full season in charge in 2022/23 but they have gone backwards since then.

Xavi's Barca are next in action on Wednesday at home to Osasuna in La Liga. He and his team, who still have the league and Champions League to play for, will try and make this a season to remember before his exit this summer.