JOSE MOURINHO has been backed to replace Xavi as Barcelona manager by a club legend.
The former translator and assistant boss has been linked with a shock return to the club this summer.
That is despite the Barca fans’ hatred towards him from his time at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Barcelona have yet to confirm Xavi’s replacement after he announced he would be leaving his role as manager at the end of the season.
Former forward Rivaldo has now thrown Mourinho’s name into the mix and listed the six reasons why he is a great fit for the role.
Rivaldo scored 130 goals in 235 appearances during five years with the Spanish giants.
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His spell included working under Mourinho, who served as a translator and assistant manager to Louis van Gaal and Sir Bobby Robson.
As a result, Rivaldo is convinced Mourinho is a great person and knows the club well enough to replace Xavi.
The Brazilian told Betfair: “I do not see Guardiola joining Barcelona anytime soon.
“I think the only realistic chance would be when he wants to move back home and enjoy more family life, which is easier for him in Barcelona, and can coach the team at the same time.
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“So today it depends a lot more on him, but I think it’s very difficult for next season.
“He’s doing well in England, and I think this return would also depend on the financial state of the club, and if they can bring players in for Guardiola.
“There are many fans who do not accept players or coaches who played for or managed their rival team. But Jose Mourinho has already been at Barcelona, with Sir Bobby Robson, and he is a great person.
“Of course, his intensity as a coach, and sometimes being controversial with his own fans could be a concern from the beginning, but he is a winner.
“Considering that he is without a club and the situation at Barcelona, in my opinion, it is easier for him to join the team than Guardiola right now, and I think It would be a great signing for Barcelona, even though some fans don’t like the name.
“Without a doubt he would do a great job, he knows the team, the Spanish league, the Champions League and has a lot of experience.”
Rivaldo’s reasons for appointing Mourinho
Rivaldo has listed six reasons Jose Mourinho would be a good fit to replace Xavi at Barcelona.
- Knows the club – worked as a translator and assistant manager between 1996 and 2000
- Great person
- Free agent – left Roma back in January
- Knows the league – won a LaLiga title during time at Real Madrid
- Champions League winner – titles with Porto (2004) and Inter (2010)
- Experienced – 37-year coaching career has seen him win 26 major trophies
Mourinho is currently without a club after leaving Roma in January, whilst alternative Pep Guardiola has another year left on his Manchester City deal.
The former Chelsea boss also has experience in LaLiga, having won a league title during his three years with Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, his 37-year coaching career has seen him win 26 major trophies, including the Champions League with both Porto and Inter.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
