Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly considering appointing Rafael Marquez as the club's new head coach, with the pressure firmly on current manager Xavi.
The Catalan outfit have lost their last two matches against Girona and Royal Antwerp, with the 4-2 defeat to the former leaving them down in fourth position in the La Liga table.
A recent report claimed that the Barcelona board are losing faith in Xavi, and another poor result against Valencia on Saturday could see the club's legendary midfielder relieved of his duties.
According to Marca, Laporta has already identified a replacement, with Marquez viewed as a first-team head coach in waiting.
The report claims that the Barcelona president has been impressed with the Mexican's 'tactical acumen and deep understanding of the club's philosophy'.
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Marquez represented the La Liga giants as a player between 2003 and 2010, making 242 appearances, winning four La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and two Champions League titles in the process.
The 44-year-old has been in charge of Barcelona B since July 2022, penning a two-year contract.
Ferran Torres said after the clash with Antwerp that the players were still "with the coach to the maximum" despite the inconsistent results and performances this season.
"We are very united, we are with the coach to the maximum," he told reporters on Wednesday night.
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"We have to correct things, we know that, but these are dynamics that occur throughout the seasons and we have to turn them around and we will do it.
"We are the first to be disappointed, but we have to focus on the league. We know the external noise at Barca, that they are trying to destroy us, but we have to live with it."
Xavi has only just signed a new contract at Barcelona, with the manager's deal due to run until June 2025, with the option of an additional 12 months.
The Catalan side will take on Valencia and Almeria in their two league games before the winter break.
Xavi has taken charge of 112 matches since being appointed Barcelona head coach, boasting a record of 69 wins, 20 draws and 23 defeats.
Matt Law
