Ruben Amorim identified as Barcelona’s top pick to fill Xavi’s shoes

Barcelona is searching for a new manager as Xavi announced his departure at the end of the season.

Fc Barcelona Target Ruben Amorim To Replace Xavi
Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

The Spaniard recently announced his departure from Barcelona at the end of the season, adding to the list of clubs seeking a new manager. The Independent reports that Barcelona has identified Sporting boss Amorim as their top choice among other candidates. Amorim has drawn interest from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, but he ranks second to the coveted Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who has ties to both clubs as a former midfielder.

Barcelona’s decision to prioritize Amorim could give them an advantage. They would be ahead of Liverpool and Bayern in the pursuit, having done more groundwork in case one of those clubs misses out on Alonso. Amorim is highly regarded by Barcelona and other top European clubs for his success with Sporting, including winning their first league title in 19 years in 2021.

However, Xavi’s departure doesn’t guarantee Amorim a smooth transition to the job in Catalonia. Former Bayern and Germany boss Hansi Flick has reportedly had “concrete talks” with the club about a potential move, while Thomas Tuchel is also under consideration. Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi’s chances seem to have diminished.

Barcelona faces competition not only from Bayern and Liverpool but also from Manchester United and Chelsea, whose current managers are under increasing pressure. Both clubs are reportedly keen on the 39-year-old Portuguese coach, adding to the managerial merry-go-round expected in the summer.

FC Barcelona performance and stats

FC Barcelona

Manager: Xavi
Rank 2nd
Win 23
Draw 7
Loss 5
Goals 72-43
Diff 29
Rank 1st
Win 4
Draw 0
Loss 2
Goals 12-6
Diff 6

FC Barcelona is currently 3rd in the La Liga with 58 points.

In the last 27 games, it has won 17 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 3 times. In its last match, FC Barcelona drawn 0-0 against Athletic Club.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 56 goals and conceding 34.​

Sporting CP performance and stats

Sporting CP

Manager: Ruben Amorim
Rank 1st
Win 28
Draw 3
Loss 2
Goals 93-29
Diff 64
Rank 2nd
Win 3
Draw 2
Loss 1
Goals 10-6
Diff 4

Sporting CP is currently 2nd in the Europa League with 11 points.

In the last 8 games, it has won 4 times, drawn 3 times, and lost once. In its last match, Sporting CP drawn 1-1 against Young Boys.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 10 goals and conceding 6.​

Sporting CP will play the next match in Europa League against Atalanta on Wednesday 6th of March in Lisboa. The prediction is Sporting CP winning the match.​