We're in the worst shape in years, maybe decades. We need someone who at least knows what they're doing. Not a wild card. Xavi is a huge gamble to take on now imo and i think Laporta knows it too because if Xavi comes in and fails it will be a huge L for Joan, which is why he's hesitant. Xavi does sound exciting though but that's about it.
Then you could argue that what we need is a Valverde, someone who can bring stability But with an actual board and sporting director who makes the correct sporting movements.
But we are way beyond that now. We need someone who is either a specialist in maximising youth players at an elite level (prime Wenger) or someone who understands the clubs structure and will actively use the new generation (Xavi?).
Martinez seems more like a glorified Setien. Someone who talks well about football, has had smaller teams play eyecandy but ultimately hasn't really managed big egos and is not entirely astute as a tactician. He's managed Belgium but I'd argue that on an international stage they still have a small nation mentality despite their talent.
So right now we are in the middle of a rock and a hard place.
The other point is that in the brief transfer window experience this summer, the board did not show much guile in the market, which is another worry.
Also with us unable to sign anyone but more importantly unable to pay the compensation should we sack the manager (Setien) then what manager is going to risk coming here?
