Barcelona Sees Thiago Motta As Xavi’s Successor

There are increasing speculations in Spain that Thiago Motta, the Italian-Brazilian Bologna coach, is a favorite to replace Xavi as Barcelona’s manager.

Spain’s prominent sport website, Sport, suggests Barcelona has shown keen interest in Motta, who is also reportedly pursued by AC Milan and Juventus.

According to Sport, the Italian coach is highly admired by Barcelona following Xavi’s announcement that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season. The news emerged after Barcelona’s loss at Camp Nou against Villarreal.

For Motta, this could potentially be a homecoming. The Italian-Brazilian had a proven track record with Barcelona, starting at the Masia academy before playing professionally for the club for six years, from 2001 to 2007, making 96 appearances and scoring six goals.