Pep 'recommends' replacement for Xavi at Barca
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly told Barcelona who should replace Xavi Hernandez next season.
Xavi will be leaving at the end of the season and has confirmed he will not change his mind in June.
A number of coaches have since been linked with the role, including Rafael Marquez, Hansi Flick and Mikel Arteta.
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According to Mundo Deportivo, GUardiola recently met with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and recommended Brighton and Hove Albion coach Roberto de Zerbi for the role.
De Zerbi has received a lot of praise for the job at Bright in the last year, which has also seen him linked with a move to Liverpool.
The report adds that de Zerbi has a release clause of €10-15million, which could be a problem and Barcelona would need to negotiate a lower fee with Brighton.
Guardiola has previously spoken highly of De Zerbi as a coach since arriving in England.
“There is no team playing the way they play - it’s unique,” Pep said in May, as per BarcaBlaugranes.
“I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great - I didn’t expect him to do it in this short space of time.
“He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time.
“They deserve completely the success they have.”
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