Barcelona consider rival La Liga boss as a future managerial candidate

Ever since his appointment, Xavi Hernandez has done a remarkable job at Barcelona. Despite the team’s shortcomings in European competitions, the former midfielder has rallied the squad extremely well, building a solid core of young players and giving the team an identity.

This has resulted in Barcelona winning the league title for the first time since 2019. Xavi is also going to play a critical role in convincing many of the club’s targets in the coming summer, including Lionel Messi.

However, Barcelona are well aware of the fact that Xavi will not be the manager forever and might leave Camp Nou at some point in time.

To that end, the club have identified Michel as a potential replacement for Xavi in the long run, reports Diario SPORT.

The Spanish publication suggests Barça have been impressed by Michel’s work at Girona. Formerly of Rayo Vallecano and Huesca, the 47-year-old has indeed steered Girona to success since taking over the Catalan club in 2021.

He was the brains behind Girona’s promotion to La Liga last season. His influence didn’t fade in the top flight either, with Girona sitting comfortably in seventh position. They are in contention to play in Europe next season if they can maintain their position till the end of the season.

In addition to Girona’s performances, Michel’s influence has been crucial in nurturing several young talents at the club, including former Barça youth player Arnau Martinez. Curiously, the young Spaniard was one of Barcelona’s targets this year, in their bid to sign a right-back.

Now it appears the Catalans are targeting Michel as well, though current manager Xavi Hernandez is not expected to leave anytime soon.