-
Moises Llorens (Barcelona correspondent)
According to ESPN sources, Rafa Marquez and the Mexican Football Federation are finalizing details for the Barcelona B coach to join the Mexican national team as assistant coach to Javier Aguirre.
The 45-year-old will serve as Aguirre’s assistant coach for the first two years of his contract before taking over after the 2026 World Cup.
He was mentioned as a candidate to take over as Barcelona’s first-team coach before Xavi left the team in April.
According to ESPN, a six-year deal with Mexico is “very close” and Barcelona are aware of the situation.
Marquez informed the Catalan club a few days ago that he would consider the Mexican offer despite deciding to stay with Barcelona B until June 2025.
The Mexico international had other offers but decided to renew his contract with Barcelona in June after a season in which they came close to promotion to the second division.
According to ESPN, Aguirre wants someone who understands his management style and sees Marquez as the ideal person to replace him after 2026.
Marquez earned 147 caps for Mexico during his career, appearing in five World Cups.
Aguirre will also be joining his former assistant manager at Mallorca, Toni Amor, in Mexico, and is currently looking for a goalkeeping coach to complete his staff.
