Spanish football has been plunged into chaos following a stunning managerial U-turn from Barcelona icon Xavi Hernández, mere weeks before the national team's 2026 World Cup campaign.
The former midfield maestro, who had been the overwhelming favourite to succeed the outgoing Luis de la Fuente, performed a dramatic volte-face, leaving the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) scrambling for a new leader.
Rocha's Last-Minute Scramble
RFEF president Pedro Rocha, who had publicly backed Xavi as his first choice, is now forced into a frantic search for a new manager. This eleventh-hour rejection throws the federation's meticulous planning into disarray, casting a shadow over Spain's preparations to defend their world title.
Initial reports suggest the federation's hierarchy is split, with some members advocating for a swift, internal appointment to ensure stability, while others push for a more thorough, albeit rushed, external search.
Oyarzabal Emerges as Shock Candidate
In the most surprising development of the saga, current Spain captain and Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal has been floated as a potential candidate. The notion of a player-manager role for the 27-year-old is seen as a highly unconventional and risky gamble by the RFEF.
While Oyarzabal commands immense respect in the dressing room, his complete lack of managerial experience makes this a contentious proposition. The move is widely interpreted as a sign of sheer desperation from a federation caught completely off guard.
De la Fuente's Unceremonious Exit
The entire saga was triggered by the RFEF's decision not to renew the contract of current boss Luis de la Fuente. Despite his respectable record, the federation's powerbrokers believed a change was necessary to reinvigorate the squad and had identified Xavi as the man to bring a fresh, dynamic philosophy to La Roja.
De la Fuente's departure, now coupled with Xavi's rejection, leaves the reigning world champions in a state of unprecedented limbo. The new manager will have minimal time to impose their tactics and build crucial relationships with a squad still riding the high of their 2024 triumph.
All eyes are now on Pedro Rocha and the RFEF. Their next move will be absolutely critical, defining Spain's chances of making history with back-to-back World Cup victories. The pressure has never been higher.
