Eine kleine Barcelona: Three German contenders for the role of Xavi's successor

Xavi's time at Camp Nou is over. Regardless of this season's outcome, he will eventually step down as Barcelona coach.

So, sports director Deco is searching for the next Barcelona boss, and according to reports from Spain the shortlist of candidates is comprised of just three names. All Germans.

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After starting his second presidential tenure, Joan Laporta's first pick was Julian Nagelsmann, but the tactician opted for Bayern Munich. Now, once again, his name's among the top contenders for a soon-to-be-vacant position. Nagelsmann's contract with the German Football Federation expires after the end of the European Championship.

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The second name on the list is Hansi Flick, Nagelsmann's predecessor in the Germany dugout. He is well remembered by Barca fans, as Bayern Munich, under his helm, battered the Catalonians 8-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

The third German mentioned as a potential successor to Xavi is Thomas Tuchel. The current Bavarians' coach will part ways with the German giants at the end of the season, just like Xavi with Barca.

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Catalan newspaper Sport claims that the crucial days will be at the end of March, during the upcoming international break, when the talks with the candidates are planned.