Barcelona Atletic boss Rafael Marquez is once again the best-placed coach to take over from Xavi Hernandez, following reports that the senior coach will not be there next season.

After several statements made by Xavi provoked the ire of Barcelona President Joan Laporta, it is being widely reported that the decision has been taken to relieve Xavi of his duties. It has opened up the race for the job again, with three familiar names back on the scene.

Sporting Director Deco has been told to start working out potential alternatives again, and Porto manager Sergio Conceicao, who is a good friend of Deco’s and a client of influential agent Jorge Mendes, is being mentioned again. As is Hansi Flick – his agent is also close to Laporta, Pini Zahavi, and it is rumoured that Barcelona were due to meet with Flick if Xavi was to leave the club.

However the best-placed is Marquez.

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