*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
What an absolute shambles Barcelona have become. The Spanish giants are a shadow of their former selves with crippling salary cap issues leading to player registration problems that forced Lionel Messi to become a free agent and leave.
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Predictably it’s not been going too well on the pitch for Ronald Koeman with the Catalans way down in La Liga and struggling badly in the Champions League. Both are a clear sign of the decline at one of the biggest and most storied clubs on the planet.
Koeman’s now paid the price, becoming the fall guy for systemic failure at seemingly every level at the club. So, here’s who Paddy’s traders think is in the running to be the next Barcelona manager.
Xavi Hernandez
If anyone can make the most of a hospital pass it’s Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez. He’s currently managing Al Sadd in Qatar so will be used to working with a lower standard than he played with. The 41-year-old won it all during his 17-year career with the Catalans but will surely find it much tougher in the dugout.
Roberto Martinez
The man with the brown brogues, Roberto Martinez, could be in line for the Barcelona job. The current Belgium national team manager was widely thought to be leaving his post after Euro 2021 but he might be hanging on for a move to the Nou Camp instead.
Marcelo Gallardo
River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo has been in charge of the Argentinian giants since 2014 – no mean feat in a country known for sacking and swapping managers with regularity. Would he leave safe job for an absolute basket case, regardless of how big it is?
Antonio Conte
Now we’re talking. Madcap manager Antonio Conte has a proven track record as a winner wherever he’s been in recent years. He walked away from Inter Milan over the summer after winning Serie A because the club’s impending financial issues, and then turned down Tottenham because, well, Tottenham. Would be a big culture shock for the Barca faithful.
Ralf Rangnick
Two-time RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick has been there and seen it all in German football. He’s currently over at Lokomotiv Moscow as their Head of Sports and Development and would represent and experienced head in a time of crisis at Barcelona.
Oscar Garcia
Oscar Garcia came through La Masia and started his playing career at Barcelona before moving to various clubs in La Liga. He’s currently managing Reims in France but things aren’t exactly going well. Would be a bit of a gamble.
Erik Ten Haag
Erik Ten Haag could be a shrewd pick if Barcelona give him time (good luck with that, Erik). The Ajax boss plays great football and has built a reputation for nurturing talent and bringing on young players. Surely that’s exactly what Barca need in the post-Messi era.
Andrea Pirlo
Juventus and AC Milan God Andrea Pirlo didn’t last long as top dog at The Old Lady but is thought to be in the running for the Barcelona job. Hard to see it going well but we’ll take any chance to see the former midfielder prowling the touchline in designer suits.
Domenec Torrent
Bit of a maverick name on this list, Domenec Torrent spent time as Barcelona’s assistant manager during the glory years from 2008-2012 and followed Pep Guardiola to Bayern and then Manchester City. Has had two spells as a manager at New York City and Flamengo recently.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
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