Shocker at Barcelona: Laporta’s Audacious Move to Recruit Former Mentor for Xavi’s Spot

In a stunning twist to Barcelona’s managerial saga, President Joan Laporta has reportedly set his sights on a blast from the past, reaching out to former Barca boss Frank Rijkaard to potentially replace the departing Xavi Hernandez.

This audacious move showcases Laporta’s penchant for bringing back familiar faces from his first tenure as the club’s president.

Frank Rijkaard, who led Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2006, has been out of the coaching scene since his departure from the Saudi Arabia national team job in 2013.

Laporta, known for his affinity for nostalgia, is said to have contacted the Dutch manager to gauge his interest in returning to the Camp Nou dugout.

The Barcelona president has sweetened the deal by offering Rijkaard the opportunity to have former Netherlands teammate Marco van Basten as his assistant.

However, the ex-Milan star has shown little inclination to make a coaching comeback, emphasizing his current involvement in the property business and role as an ambassador for the Johan Cruyff Foundation.

Also Read: Who is Leading the Race to Replace Xavi Hernández at Barcelona

Despite the challenges, Laporta remains undeterred, employing all his charm to convince Rijkaard to consider a return to Barcelona. The former coach, who played a pivotal role in the early development of Lionel Messi, is currently residing in Amsterdam with his family.

The potential reunion with Rijkaard, who left an indelible mark on Barcelona during his five-year stint, adds an unexpected twist to the ongoing managerial hunt at the Catalan club.

As Laporta endeavours to secure a successor for Xavi, the football world awaits with bated breath to see if this bold move will reshape the future of Barcelona’s coaching staff. Stay tuned for more updates on this sensational development!