Barcelona sporting director Deco names surprise Premier League boss among 'top executives'
Barcelona Sporting Director Deco has had to field a number of questions regarding Xavi Hernandez and his future amid talk that he could reverse his decision to leave. Deco admitted that he did not want Xavi to announce his departure.
Xavi has been firm in his position that “nothing has changed” regarding his future in recent weeks, while often noting “so far”. Recent reports say that Xavi could change his mind according to three key conditions, while others say that the club is internally waiting to pass by Xavi.
Speaking to SER Catalunya, as brought by AS DiaryDeco said that it is Xavi changes his mind, then they will discuss.
“I didn't want him to say that he was leaving, but he made his decision. I already said that Xavi's time had not changed yet, there are still things to fight for. In football everything changes from night. In every preview of the match they ask me if Xavi stays or not. I think it's ten o'clock. Xavi keeps saying that his decision is irreversible. If Xavi changes his mind, he has to say it. For us it's a ideal coach, always positive, never complains, knows the difficulties of the club. History will say that I rebuilt Barça.
He also stated that no contact had been made with any candidate to replace Xavi, while admitting that he was partial to Luis Enrique, his reported preference as a replacement. Deco named coach of Bournemouth Andoni Iraola even among the “top managers”.
“Nothing has been decided, but we are careful. We have not made any moves. Of course, I like Luis Enrique, but he is a coach that I have not worked with, but it is obvious that he is a reference at all levels. He is a first coach . Guardiola, Klopp are the first, but they are not available. “Arsenal's Arteta, Iraola, (Sergio) Conceicao … there are many.”
Iraola began his career in management at Mirandes, leading the second side to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, before taking his team to Rayo Vallecano. Winning promotion with Rayo, he excelled in his two seasons at Vallecas, before moving to Bournemouth, where he overcame a tough start to finish 13th.
