FC Barcelona are yet to decide on the candidate that will replace Xavi Hernandez on the bench but have been considering different profiles for this role. From the names that have been the most closely linked with the Catalan club, it is becoming increasingly likely that a German coach will take the reins at the club following Xavi’s departure.
Among these German coaches, the current German national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, is one of the favorites for the managerial seat at Barcelona. However, he is currently preparing for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024, and as Mundo Deportivo has reported, this was the foremost thing on his mind at the moment:
“I currently have a contract with the German Federation until after the European Championship. I do not have any other contract available. My main focus is on the competition and the national team.”
However, Nagelsmann was also not completely oblivious to his future, and admitted that there might be some options that he would be interested in taking on after his current job with the national team:
“I would recommend it to anyone whose contract is about to expire. There is a good chance I will sign before the Euros if I have an offer I am happy with. But for now, I have nothing on the table. There is nothing concrete in terms of conversations. Everything is open, and I am focusing on the Euros.” Borussia Dortmund is another interested party. “You should ask them, not me.”
Another interest that Barcelona have in the German national team is the presence of Ilkay Gundogan and Marc Andre Ter Stegen. Both these players are important members of the national team’s squad, but the return of Manuel Neuer can have a drastic impact on the status of these two players in the team. Regarding Gundogan’s position as the captain, the Nagelsmann said:
“Gündogan is still the captain. But Manu’s word will continue to carry weight. The captain should be a point of contact for his teammates. The players should feel they have a leader among them. He is a representative of the team.”
Regarding the choice of the starting goalkeeper in the team, Nagelsmann said he would decide on an option after consulting both of them: “We will talk to both and then decide.”
Ter Stegen has been key for Barcelona since his return from injury, so he will be gunning to get a starting position with Germany, especially as Neuer himself is returning from a long injury. It remains to be seen how Nagelsmann solves this problem going forward.
