Rafa Marquez makes honest admission on succeeding Xavi as Barcelona manager

Rafael Marquez says he would not be able to turn down the chance to succeed Xavi as Barcelona manager.

Legendary midfielder Xavi announced he would step down as Blaugrana boss at the end of the 2023/24 season following Saturday night's 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal. That loss leaves Barca ten points off La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Current Barca Atletic coach Marquez has been touted as one of the favourites to step into the hot seat and spoke about the first-team's struggles after the loss, where they threw away a 3-2 lead with some disastrous defending late on.

He told reporters: "It is a shame that the first team has had this defeat. I think the board will have time to think about it well, between now and the end of the season, to choose the coach they decide, it is in their hands.

"I will continue preparing, obviously, I am very happy with the work I am doing with the boys."

WILL THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW DELIVER?

• WATCH THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE 90MIN FOOTBALL SHOW ON YOUTUBE

Marquez led Barca's reserve team to a finish of fourth in his debut 2022/23 campaign, losing to Real Madrid in the promotion play-offs.

Pressed on his potential interest in Barca's top job, the former Mexico defender added: "Who wouldn't, right? But the most important thing is to continue preparing because it is my second season as a coach here. Prepare in case that moment comes.

"You can't say no to an opportunity like this. And if it comes, I will try to be available and try to do my best."

Barca won the La Liga title in Xavi's first full term as manager, finishing ten points clear of Clasico rivals Madrid, but performances have dropped in 2023/24 so far.

The Catalan giants have conceded 29 league goals, nine more than they did in the entirety of 2022/23, and have suffered damaging failures in the Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey in recent weeks.

READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP