Who’s next for the Nou Camp hot seat?
LUIS ENRIQUE’S position as Barcelona coach is coming under increased scrutiny after this week’s 4-0 Champions League defeat to Paris St Germain.
With the Catalans also behind arch-rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga and Enrique’s contract due to expire at the end of the season, PostMatch looks at some of the candidates who have been tipped to take over at the Nou Camp if this season proves to be Enrique’s last.
JORGE SAMPAOLI (SEVILLA)
Emerging as the favourite having made Sevilla the current next-best team in Spain after Barcelona and Real Madrid.
An Argentinian, he has an affinity with Lionel Messi and a philosophy more suited to Barcelona’s than Enrique.
ERNESTO VALVERDE (ATHLETIc BILBAO)
A former Barca player who is making the most of a limited squad at Bilbao.
He was in the running when Enrique got the job and is likely to be in the frame again.
MAURIcIO POcHETTINO (TOTTENHAM)
Has the style to fit in at the Nou Camp and the long-term expectation is he could return to one of Spain’s big clubs at some point.
However, having spoken of his admiration for Real Madrid and managed Barca’s city rivals, Espanyol, a move to the Nou Camp seems fanciful.
RONALD KOEMAN (EVERTON)
Koeman’s name is often linked with a return to the Nou Camp, having established such a reputation there as a player (winning four LaLiga titles and the European Cup) and assistant manager.
But his more pragmatic way of working may not be what Barcelona want.
XAVI (AL SADD)
A sentimental return for Barca’s former captain would be fanciful at best.
Xavi is currently completing his coaching badges in Qatar, and while it may draw parallels with the appointment of Pep Guardiola, he has even less experience.