Could Pep Guardiola return to Barcelona as Xavi’s successor? Joan Laporta quizzed on Camp Nou homecoming for treble-winning Man City boss

The Blaugrana will find themselves in the market for a new head coach this summer. That is because club legend Xavi, who oversaw a La Liga title triumph last season, has announced that he will be stepping down after struggling to deliver consistent performances and results in 2023-24.

Various candidates have been mooted to fill the prominent post, from Jose Mourinho to Hansi Flick, but Guardiola would be a popular choice among a demanding fanbase. He is, however, tied to a deal at Premier League giants Manchester City through to 2025 and Laporta has told RAC1 when asked if there is any chance of the Catalan native retracing steps to his spiritual home: “He has a contract with Manchester City and he respects contracts. I speak often with him and I know what the club thinks about him.”

Barcelona will not be rushing their next appointment, with Xavi set to see the season out even if major silverware proves elusive. Laporta added: “I want Xavi to continue until the end of the season. If he continues until the end, it’s up to him. I’m not going to sack him no matter what. He doesn’t deserve it. He deserves that we trust him. We are not throwing in the towel in the league, in the Champions League we face Napoli, but Xavi is very motivated. I have no doubts about Xavi and the motivation and commitment of players. Xavi is honest and if the formula doesn’t work, he would say so.”

Barca sit fourth in La Liga as things stand, 10 points adrift of Clasico rivals Real Madrid at the summit, and have three domestic games to take in – starting with a trip to Alaves on Saturday – before facing Serie A giants Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter on February 21.