Roberto de Zerbi is trying to ‘gain ground’ in the race to become Barcelona’s manager next season, using his close circle and their contacts with the club to boost his cause.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who say the Blaugrana have ‘tested’ the Italian manager as a potential replacement for Xavi.
They explain how Wednesday say various media outlets in Spain capturing agents Edmundo Babchi and Edoardo Crnjar, who represent the Brighton manager but also Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, arriving at Barcelona airport.
They’re in the city to hold talks with the club over a renewal for Araujo but De Zerbi is also ‘among the candidates’ to replace Xavi next season.
At this moment in time, he is not the favourite for President Joan Laporta or director of football Deco as they would prefer a safe bet like Luis Enrique or Mikel Arteta, but they are both ‘very complicated’ hires.
Thus, they need to look at alternative ideas and the Brighton manager, as well as former Germany coach Hansi Flick, are the ones they ‘like the most’.
A specific offer for either has not been made as yet but the presence of De Zerbi’s agents in the city could ‘boost said operation’.
The Italian coach is once again having a strong season with Brighton, with an attacking team filled with youngsters fighting for titles meaning he ticks all the boxes. The major obstacle would be his contract and getting him out of it.
For him to have a chance at the Barcelona job, both Luis Enrique and Arteta will have to be ruled out, but De Zerbi is trying to ‘gain ground’ behind the scenes through his close circle.
Deco will listen carefully to this and what he offers above the other candidates and so the possibility of the Brighton coach heading to Camp Nou remains a distinct one.
