Barcelona reserves boss Rafa Marquez admits it would be difficult to turn down the opportunity to succeed Xavi after the legendary midfielder announced his exit at the end of season

Barcelona reserves boss Rafa Marquez has admitted it would be difficult to turn down the opportunity to manage the first team after Xavi announced he would leave his role at the end of the season. 

Xavi’s reign as Barcelona coach ended in farcical circumstances on Saturday night with him announcing his decision to quit at the end of the season after losing 5-3 at home to Villarreal.

The 44-year-old, who admitted he will leave his post even if his side go onto win the Champions League, revealed the news with his side 10 points adrift of rivals Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

Marquez has been tipped by some as one of the favourites to land the job and he has vowed to ‘continue to prepare’ himself for the role. 

‘It’s a shame that the first team has had this defeat. I think the board will have time to think it through, between now and the end of the season, to choose the coach they decide, it’s in their hands,’ the former defender said. 

Xavi’s reign as Barcelona coach ended in farcical circumstances on Saturday night

Barcelona suffered a 5-3 defeat by Villarreal and sit 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid 

I will continue to prepare myself, obviously, I am very happy with the work I am doing with the boys. It’s part of the process and it will come at the right time if it’s my turn.’ 

Asked by reporters if he would be happy to take manager job, Marquez replied: ‘Who wouldn’t be, right? 

‘But the most important thing is to keep preparing myself because this is my second season as a coach here. To prepare myself 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.’ 

Marquez led Barcelona’s reserve side to a fourth place finish last season before losing to Real Madrid in the playoffs. 

The home defeat by Villareal was just one of three damaging defeats in a month to forget for the Catalans. 

Xavi’s side lost to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final before getting dumped out of Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao earlier this week. 

Barcelona now sit 10 points behind Real and return to action against Osasuna on Tuesday night.