Mourinho has been backed to replace Xavi as Barcelona manager by a club legend.

Mourinho has been backed to replace Xavi as Barcelona manager by a club legend.

Rivaldo believes that Jose Mourinho is the right coach for Barca next season because of the Portuguese strategist’s extensive experience.

At the end of January, Xavi Hernandez shocked everyone when he announced that he would leave Barca after this season. Since then, Blaugrana has been struggling to find a coach for next season.

Most recently, Rivaldo suddenly recommended Jose Mourinho to Barca. In an interview with Betfair, the Barca legend compared Pep Guardiola and Mourinho and said that “The Special One” is the right coach for Blaugrana next season.

“I don’t think Pep will return to Barca in the near future. In my opinion, the possibility of him returning to Catalan to visit his family is greater than the possibility of leading Barca. Everything depends on Pep, but I still think he cannot accept the job at Barca next season.

Pep is doing very well in England. While recruiting him depends on the financial situation of the club, and whether they can recruit the players Pep needs,” Rivaldo said.

Next, Rivaldo mentioned Jose Mourinho: “Fans often oppose those who were players or coaches of their opponents. However, Mourinho once worked at Barca with Sir Bobby Robson. Of course, with his personality, he has made fans angry many times. But above all, Mourinho is a champion.

Considering his situation and Barca, I think it will be easier for the club to invite Mourinho than Pep Guardiola. I’m confident Mourinho will do a good job. He speaks Spanish, understands the team well, and has a lot of experience in the Champions League.”

Rivaldo played for Barca from 1997-2002, coinciding with the time Jose Mourinho worked at Camp Nou. At that time, the Portuguese coach was also an interpreter and coaching assistant. In September 2000, Mourinho left Barca to begin his coaching career.

Currently, Mourinho is still unemployed after being fired by Roma. Meanwhile, Barca has prepared a list of candidates for the hot seat, including Hansi-Flick, Roberto De Zerbi and a number of other coaches.