Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has recommended his former coach Jurgen Klopp as a replacement for Xavi at Barcelona.
The Gabonese forward, who played under Jurgen Klopp for two seasons at Borussia Dortmund, has urged Barcelona to bring in the German manager as Xavi’s successor in the summer. Both managers announced last month that they will part ways with their respective clubs at the end of the 2023-24 season, and Aubameyang believes Klopp is ideally suited for the top job at Camp Nou, despite the fact he has vowed to take a break from the game.
Speaking on Gerard Romeo’s Twitch account, the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona striker said: “Klopp gives you everything, energy, he has won great titles, he is a good coach. If there is a chance for Barca he is a good option, I was very comfortable with him in Dortmund. It would be incredible if could come.”
After a successful 2022-23 campaign that saw Xavi guide the Catalan giants to Spanish Super Cup and La Liga glory, Barca have endured a dramatic decline. Xavi’s side are eight points behind league leaders and arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, and suffered an early exit in the Copa del Rey. They also failed to defend the Super Cup title after losing to Real 4-1 in the final in January.
Klopp, on the other hand, has lifted Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League table, and overseen progress to the Carabao Cup final and fifth round of the FA Cup.
Barcelona got back on track with a win over Alaves at the weekend, and will next be seen in action on Sunday as they take on Granada. Xavi’s side will face Celta Vigo six days later, before turning their attention to the Champions League and the first leg of their last-16 tie against Napoli.
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