Barcelona's victory in El Clásico at the weekend highlighted a template FSG might like to follow with Liverpool in the event of Jürgen Klopp's departure ...
If he does, FSG could look to replicate the success in Catalonia by bringing in a coach who is just as influential as the Spaniard in Steven Gerrard. Just like Xavi and Barcelona, Gerrard lives and breathes Liverpool, and he understands the core of the club and the ethos of Liverpool as well as the type of football the supporters like to see. Gerrard, however, could return the trend — and if he can replicate the same success he has enjoyed in his previous managerial roles or emulate Xavi's arrival at Barcelona, Liverpool will be well-placed under his leadership. READ MORE: Exclusive: Nabil El Zhar on Liverpool career, Steven Gerrard advice and perfect transfer target At Liverpool, Xavi's appointment and subsequent success will be intriguing for FSG, knowing all too well they could be on the verge of making an important managerial decision themselves in the next few seasons. Not only that, if anything, Gerrard is even more prepared to succeed Klopp having proven his credentials in Europe with Rangers and now at Aston Villa — a CV that is certainly more impressive than Xavi's two year tenure at Al Sadd before taking the reins at Barcelona. Barcelona are adept at installing former players as coaches. But Xavi changed all of that almost in an instant, restoring Barcelona's identity and transforming the club inside and out. Barcelona are now on an impressive run and breathing down Real Madrid's neck in La Liga, as well as being one of the favourites to lift the Europa League. All of that was exemplified by the Catalans' four-nil drubbing of Real Madrid on Sunday, with Xavi masterminding a faultless performance against Carlo Ancelotti's side.