L’Equipe claims that informal talks took place with Xavi, who has previously made it very clear that he doesn’t want to take on the responsibility at the helm of any clubs this season.
The 45-year-old distanced himself from interest this term shown by Manchester United to take over from Erik ten Hag and AS Roma to replace Daniele de Rossi.
Juventus head coach Thiago Motta is experiencing a tricky time at the helm, stuttering in the rejigged Champions League first phase and being way off the pace in Serie A.
Motta’s suitability has been consistently questioned, yet the ex-Bologna boss has only tasted one league defeat in 22 matches and that was to table-topping Napoli.
His record of a single defeat, eight victories and a remarkable 13 draws in Serie A has resulted in Motta registering the third worst record at the Bianconeri after 22 league games.
Motta’s position does not appear to be under immediate threat, but he is under scrutiny with the board lining up their ‘Plan B’ alternative options.
The 42-year-old has overseen a plethora of uninspiring displays, and he seems to have shelved striker Dusan Vlahovic by dropping the Serbian international to the bench for the past three Serie A matches.
Forward Kolo Muani, who recently arrived on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is favoured over Arsenal and Chelsea target Vlahovic. Motta seems intent on offloading his team’s top scorer this term, Vlahovic has bagged a dozen goals although five were from the penalty spot.
There’s been speculation that Vlahovic will move to Arsenal during previous transfer windows, but the Gunners have always held off tabling a bid despite their obvious flaw of lacking a natural goalscorer.
Motta will no doubt be questioned should Vladhovic make a move to the English Premier League and prove to be a big success, which would open the door for Xavi to agree in principle to join the Turin giants.
A change of coach is unlikely to occur over the next month, as it would have been unrealistic for Motta’s maiden season at Juventus to be chasing the league title.
The fact is that mundane and pedestrian performances under Motta have left some on the board, various media pundits and numerous Bianconeri fans disappointed.
Xavi was last linked to the AC Milan head coach vacancy in December after Paulo Fonseca was given the boot, but he still wasn’t ready to return to the dugout and instead Sergio Conceicao was appointed.
Xavi is hailed for developing young players, which would suit Juventus as they have plenty of exciting talent waiting in the wings for a chance to impress.
He brilliantly utilises the Barcelona playing style of maintaining possession, which Pep Guardiola introduced with aplomb at Manchester City, although that was not enough to avoid the axe at the Spanish side that he had served as an outstanding player with over 700 appearances.
It was a saga that ended badly for Xavi. The former midfielder announced 12 months ago that he would leave his position as Barcelona head coach. Yet he made a dramatic U-turn and said that he would fulfil his contract until 2025, only for the club legend to be suddenly axed in May.
Juventus are trying to gauge interest from Xavi, and possibly other available head coaches, in case Motta is unable to turn things around during the second half of the season.
The club appreciates that an overhaul is definitely needed, especially in attack, and if Motta is not up to the job then maybe the former Barcelona manager will be.