Barcelona sporting director Deco insists the club has no plans to consider rehiring Pep Guardiola as manager.
And the former Portugal star has played down the chances of compatriot Jose Mourinho taking charge at the Nou Camp.
The LaLiga giants will need to appoint a new manager in the summer as Xavi has revealed he will leave at the end of the season.
The announcement has led to speculation on who could be the next manager.
Manchester City boss Guardiola spent four years as Barcelona manager from 2008-12 having also spent more than a decade at the club as a player.
Pep Guardiola (L) and Jose Mourinho (R) have been linked with the Barcelona job
Sporting director Deco says Barcelona are looking for a coach who can develop young players
Barca boss Xavi has announced he will leave the LaLiga giants at the end of the season
‘Pep is a great coach,’ Deco told Esport3, via Mundo Deportivo.
‘There is no discussion about this. He was the coach of the best Barca in history. No doubt.
‘And he has continued to win away. He is the best in the world now.
‘We are not talking to any coach. It is normal that the press is asking questions but talking about a technician with a contract is a lack of respect for others and for us. The time will come.’
Deco also weighed in on the rumours that former Manchester United boss Mourinho could be in the frame for the vacancy.
Mourinho is out of work after leaving Roma last month.
‘He is a great friend of mine but I haven’t talked with him in a long time,’ said Deco.
‘We’re looking for a manager who can adapt to the club’s situation and that can keep developing the young players we have.’
