Barcelona confirm shock exit of highly-rated manager

Barcelona have confirmed an agreement has been reached to terminate the contract of Rafa Marquez, who has been managing the club's B team and was previously tipped to become head coach of the first team.

Marquez has been in his role for two years and signed a contract extension last summer after impressing in the first 12 months of his tenure.

When Xavi first announced he was stepping down as Barcelona at the beginning of 2024, Marquez was tipped as a potential candidate to take over - career paths previously taken by both Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

Xavi eventually U-turned on his decision before being sacked by club president Joan Laporta, and Hansi Flick was the manager tasked with taking Barcelona back above rivals Real Madrid.

Marquez was recently approached by Mexico to become part of Javier Aguirre's staff, initially as assistant manager on a two-year contract before assuming the role of head coach after the 2026 World Cup on a four-year deal.

Barcelona were made aware that Marquez was considering the offer of long-term employment, and the Catalan giants have now announced a parting of the ways.

Marquez was thanked for his "dedication and professionalism" during his tenure having previously served as a Barcelona player for seven years between 2003 and 2010.

The 45-year-old won two Champions League crowns, four La Liga titles and six other major trophies in that time, including the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Mexico will hope Marquez's experience and understanding of Aguirre's coaching methods will hope reverse what's been a disappointing two-year stretch for the national team.

At the 2022 World Cup, El Tri failed to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 1994 and they were unable to get past the group stage of the recently played Copa America - finishing third in Group A behind Venezuela, Ecuador and ahead of Jamaica.

READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP