Next Barcelona Manager Odds: Rafael Marquez backed into to favourite

Rafael Marquez has been backed into Evs favourite after Barcelona's elimination from the 2023/24 Champions League.

Barcelona looked good for a place in the last four having beaten PSG in France, then going 4-2 up on aggregate after Raphinha's early goal, only to see Ronald Araujo dismissed inside half an hour, going on to lose 4-1.

bet365’s Steve Freeth said: “We’ve been seeing money for Marquez all week and took the evasive action of cutting him from 9/1 into 6/4 prior to the PSG clash, but punters have been keen to take that prohibitive price since the heavy Champions League defeat.

“Barcelona also have the small matter of a trip to Real Madrid this weekend – another defeat there could hasten the departure of Xavi with many seeing Marquez as a worthy replacement.

“The Catalans are unlikely to be breaking the bank to prise away a high-profile manager and with the 45-year old on their doorstep with Barcelona B, it’s had many customers putting two and two together – we’ll be hoping they get five!”

It wouldn't be the first time Barcelona have made an internal appointment, with Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique former Barcelona B managers, and Tito Vilanova being promoted from Guardiola's assistant to manager.

With Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all in the market for new managers this summer it could create something of a merry-go-round. Ruben Amorim's growing reputation has seen him linked with a number of jobs, while it appears that in-demand Roberto De Zerbi may be staying put, with Bayern close to appointing Julian Nagelsmann, Liverpool reportedly set to hire Amorim, and Barcelona looking at Marquez.

Liam Williams

• FC Barcelona
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