Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro believes Barcelona won’t appoint Andrea Pirlo as their next coach: ‘They’ll call Xavi because he knows the club.’
Pirlo, a former Juventus midfielder and coach, has been linked with the Nou Camp job as Ronald Koeman’s future appears in doubt after the Catalans’ slow start to the season.
Pirlo is among the candidates to replace the Dutch coach along with Barcelona legends Frank Rijkaard and Xavi.
“Without Messi, everything is more difficult. The coach is fundamental. I read about Pirlo, but I think they will call Xavi. You need someone who knows the club’s values,” Cannavaro told AS.
In September, Cannavaro rescinded his contract with Guangzhou FC and now hopes to get his first job as a coach in Europe.
When asked about a possible appointment as Napoli or Italy coach, he replied: “They are part of my story and I would love to, but my priority is to train in Europe: I don’t close any doors.”
Cannavaro is the last Italian player to have won the Ballon d’Or.
He was named best player of the year in 2006 after Italy’s World Cup victory.
The 48-year-old played for Napoli, Parma, Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid and Al-Ahli during his playing career.