Laporta wanted Pirlo, not Xavi after sacking Koeman — reason why he changed mind revealed

Diario Sport are running a curious story about Joan Laporta's decision-making process.

The Barcelona president wanted to appoint Andrea Pirlo as Barcelona head coach after Ronald Koeman was sacked. Laporta considered the Italian 'the new Rijkaard'.

Laporta then held a meeting with the team's captains. They told him they weren't convinced by Pirlo and his record at Juventus and told him that Xavi would be a better choice.

In the end, Laporta ended up siding with the captains and chose the Spaniard.

Pirlo was in charge of Juventus in the 2020-21 season and saw the Bianconeri's run of nine consecutive Serie A titles end. He finished in fourth place and was sacked. He is currently in charge of the Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk.