Ralf Rangnick could see himself at the helm of another big European giant after previously managing Manchester United. The German is currently managing the Austrian national team, and doing quite a good job there as well.
Barcelona have been suffering this season, being knocked out of two competitions as well as practically losing the league title. Manager Xavi is leaving at the end of the season, and a new manager is needed at the club for next season. And surprisingly, the name Rangnick came up.
Joan Laporta reportedly considering Ralf Ragnick to replace Xavi
Barcelona are already in the race for a new manager for the next season, and it seems that they have quite a list to choose from. Managers ranging from Jurgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, Hansi Flick, and Rafa Marquez are all popular names in the media. However, another interesting name has entered the rumors. That name is Ralf Rangnick, with Spanish media Sport reporting that club president Joan Laporta wants to appoint him as the next manager.
🚨 Barcelona president Joan Laporta really likes Ralf Rangnick as an option to replace Xavi.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 13, 2024
(Source: @sport) pic.twitter.com/NIqmxneWKx
The 65 year old is one of the most credible professionals in the sport. He was both the manager and sporting director at RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg, and he was the reason for their successful teams and transfer strategies. He also has the nickname “Godfather of the Gegenpress,” the soccer tactic mostly used and popularized by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
He is currently the manager of the Austrian national team, where he has been quite good with them. His contract lasts until 2026, but if Barcelona asks him to take their vacant manager spot, he is very likely to accept. However, it is very unlikely that Barcelona would choose him over the other top candidates being mentioned.
Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United spell
Ralf Rangnick has not had much success regarding trophies, and he doesn’t really have much experience running a big club like Barcelona. His only such job was his time at Manchester United during the 2021–22 season. Appointed in December after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he was expected by fans to help them improve their season.
But he infamously took the club even further downhill, resulting in one of their worst seasons till date. They won zero trophies while slumping down to 6th in the Premier League with 58 points, their lowest ever in the league’s history.
Rangnick clashed with both legend Cristiano Ronaldo and the club’s hierarchy multiple times. While he was eventually replaced by Erik ten Hag, he also left the 2-year consultancy role he was appointed to at the beginning.
It is safe to say Manchester United fans do not miss Ralf Rangnick at all, and Barcelona fans will also be wary to hear his name connected with their club.
