AI model believes three Italian coaches would be right for Barcelona job

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ByApollo Heyes

Feb 2, 2024 10:29

Wisla Krakow president Jaroslaw Krolewski used his background in technology to draw up a list of the best possible fits for the Barcelona job, identifying three Italians.

Blaugrana coach Xavi unexpectedly announced his decision to resign from the club at the end of this season recently, sending shockwaves through the Catalan club, who are now looking around for the right long-term replacement for the former midfielder.

Jurgen Klopp also recently announced his plans to leave Liverpool in the summer, setting up for some possible dugout drama in the coming months as clubs look to convince their preferred options to switch teams.

La Repubblica details how Wisla Krakow president Krolewski, who is also the founder and CEO of tech company Synerise, used AI models to draw up a list of 10 candidates who’d be ideal to replace Xavi at Barcelona in the summer.

Topping the list is Real Sociedad’s Imanol Alguacil, with Lille’s Paulo Fonseca and Bologna’s Thiago Motta behind him. Other highlighted coaches include Steffen Baumgart, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot.

Closing out the list are Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Fiorentina’s Vincenzo Italiano and Las Palmas’ Garcia Pimienta. Surprise exclusions include Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Klopp.