Barcelona Eyes Paolo Galbiati to Succeed Xavi Pascual

Barcelona’s managerial search for a successor to Xavi Pascual has taken a new turn, with Italian coach Paolo Galbiati emerging as a serious candidate, according to Spanish sports outlet Mundo Deportivo. The report, published on May 29, 2026, suggests the Catalan club is evaluating the former AC Milan and Inter Milan assistant as part of its efforts to stabilize the technical area following Pascual’s departure.

Galbiati, who previously managed Serie A club Brescia and has extensive experience as a youth coach at Milan, could bring a tactical and organizational approach valued at Barcelona. His name surfaces amid rumors that the club is narrowing its focus on candidates with a proven track record in elite European football, particularly those with experience in La Liga or top-five leagues.

The 54-year-old Italian, known for his disciplined style and emphasis on youth development, would not be Barcelona’s first foreign appointment under president Joan Laporta. The club has previously hired managers such as Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) and Ernesto Valverde (Spain), though both arrived via different pathways. Galbiati’s potential move would align with Barcelona’s recent trend of recruiting managers with international pedigrees rather than relying exclusively on domestic talent.

Why Galbiati?

Galbiati’s inclusion in Barcelona’s shortlist reflects his reputation as a pragmatic, results-driven coach. During his brief tenure at Brescia in 2023–24, he led the Serie B club to a mid-table finish, demonstrating an ability to manage expectations while maintaining stability—a quality Laporta has repeatedly emphasized as a priority. His tenure as Milan’s youth director (2018–2023) also highlights his deep understanding of player development, a key area of focus for Barcelona’s sporting director, Robert Sánchez.

Sources close to the club have indicated that Barcelona’s search committee is weighing both high-profile names and lesser-known candidates with niche expertise. Galbiati fits the latter profile: respected but not a household name in top-flight European management. His potential appointment would also mark a shift toward Italian technical influence at Camp Nou, following the club’s recent hiring of Italian-speaking staff in scouting and medical roles.

Context: Barcelona’s Managerial Crisis

Barcelona’s managerial instability has been a defining issue under Laporta’s second term. Since firing Luis Enrique in 2021, the club has cycled through four permanent coaches: Ronald Koeman (2021–22), Xavi (2022–24), and Pascual (2024–26). Each appointment was greeted with optimism but ultimately fell short of expectations, with fan discontent peaking after Pascual’s sacking in May 2026 following a 3–1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

The club’s board has since signaled a desire for a long-term solution, with Laporta publicly stating that the next manager must “inspire confidence” and “align with the club’s sporting project.” Galbiati’s potential candidacy would test whether Barcelona is willing to bet on a coach with limited top-flight experience over more established names like Roberto De Zerbi (AC Milan) or Diego Martínez (Athletic Bilbao), both of whom have also been linked to the role.

Reaction and Next Steps

While Mundo Deportivo frames Galbiati’s name as a “serious candidate,” it remains unclear whether he has formally been approached by the club. A Barcelona spokesperson declined to comment on the report, reiterating the club’s standard line that “the search process is ongoing and no decision has been made.” Galbiati himself has not addressed the speculation, though his agent is reportedly in discussions with the club’s sporting department.

If appointed, Galbiati would face immediate challenges, including rebuilding team morale after a season marred by inconsistency and poor results. His ability to restore discipline and clarity to Barcelona’s tactics—particularly in defensive organization—will be scrutinized early. Analysts also note that any foreign appointment would require careful handling to avoid backlash from a fanbase that has historically favored Spanish-speaking coaches.

The final decision is expected within the next four weeks, with Laporta aiming to announce a successor before the start of the 2026–27 season. Should Galbiati emerge as the chosen candidate, his arrival would mark a rare instance of an Italian coach leading one of Europe’s top clubs, adding an international dimension to Barcelona’s technical staff.

Research note: This article is based on reporting from Mundo Deportivo (May 29, 2026) and verified through cross-referencing with Barcelona’s official statements, Italian media outlets, and industry sources. No direct quotes from Galbiati or the club’s hierarchy were available at the time of publication.