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Barcelona identify Simone Inzaghi as Xavi replacement?

Barcelona identify Simone Inzaghi as Xavi replacement?
© Reuters
Barcelona are interested in appointing Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi as Xavi's replacement, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly interested in appointing Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi as their next manager, with Xavi preparing to stand down from the position at the end of the campaign.

Following the 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal at the end of January, Xavi announced that he would be leaving Camp Nou at the end of the season.

The 44-year-old has insisted that he stands by his decision to depart despite the team's improvement over the last month, with Barcelona unbeaten in their last six matches, recording four wins in the process.

Former Germany manager Hansi Flick continues to be linked with the position, while Brighton & Hove Albion's Roberto De Zerbi is also thought to be in the frame.

However, according to Tuttosport, Inzaghi is also being considered, with Barcelona attracted by the Italian's impressive work with Lazio and now Inter.

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi reacts on February 4, 2024© Reuters

The 47-year-old led Lazio to the Coppa Italia, in addition to two Italian Super Cups, during his five years at the club, before taking charge of Inter in the summer of 2021.

Inzaghi has also guided Inter to two Coppa Italia crowns and three Italian Super Cups, while he led the Milan giants to last season's Champions League final.

I Nerazzurri are currently nine points clear of second-placed Juventus at the top of the Serie A table, while they recorded a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League affair.

There is also believed to be interest from the Premier League in Inzaghi, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool said to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi reacts on September 24, 2023© Reuters

Erik ten Hag's position as Man United head coach is far from secure, while Mauricio Pochettino's future at Chelsea is also being called into question.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are actively searching for a new manager, with Jurgen Klopp set to stand down as head coach at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Man United and Chelsea are allegedly prepared to almost double Inzaghi's salary to bring him to the Premier League, but Barcelona would struggle to compete from a financial point of view due to their off-the-field issues.

The Catalan outfit are also thought to be considering Thomas Tuchel, with the German standing down as Bayern Munich manager this summer.

Barcelona have another two league games against Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca before hosting Napoli for the second leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on March 12.

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