Since reports from Fabrizio Romano suggested the end of Quique Setién’s reign as Barcelona manager, several managers have been linked with the role at the Nou Camp. Romano has since stated, however, that just the three candidates have been drawn up so far by Barcelona. The three being, of course, Ronald Koeman, Xavi, and Mauricio Pochettino.
Romano also stated that Josep Bartomeu has confirmed with Tiempo de Juego the news of Setién’s sacking.
Xavi Among Names Mentioned for Barcelona Job
Next Appointment Must Be the Right One
Barcelona are on a constant downward spiral. Managerial appointment after managerial appointment; big-money transfer after big-money transfer; Failure after failure. Barcelona just can’t seem to get it right in recent years. No matter what, each arrival, despite the millions spent, soon becomes nothing but a waste of money.
And it has got to the point now that, should they fail to make the correct call when deciding the next man to take to the technical area, they will be in big trouble of further declining. It has to be said, however, that the names mentioned so far are perfectly capable of steering the sinking, and ageing ship at the Nou Camp.
Pochettino The Ideal Target
Despite previously stating his loyalty for Espanyol, Mauricio Pochettino has been one of the names mentioned for the reportedly vacant position. If the Barcelona hierarchy can convince the Argentine to stray from his loyalties, they’ll have the perfect manager to lead them. Once at Tottenham Hotspur, Pochettino rebuilt the English side from top four hopefuls to Champions League finalists.
A similar rebuild will be needed at Barcelona with players past their peak, and those promoted from the academy not producing enough.
Xavi and Koeman Solid Alternatives for Barcelona
Alternatively, Barcelona could turn to a former player to take the reigns. Xavi, one of the most iconic players to grace the Nou Camp, may be inexperienced, but he knows the Barcelona players on a personal level; they will want to give everything for a former teammate.
Ronald Koeman, too, presents a good option for the La Liga side. He ticks key boxes for experience, previous managerial success, and the bonus box of being a former player.
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