Barcelona next manager: Joan Laporta has four options with Ronald Koeman ‘sack plan’ made

Barcelona: Koeman defiant over Super League plans

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Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman reportedly has three games to save his job following their 3-0 Champions League battering to Bayern Munich on Tuesday night. It was a chastening night for the Catalan giants, who were ruthlessly put to the sword. And it appears plans are being made in the event the Dutchman is relieved of his duties.

Barcelona were outplayed by Bayern Munich on the night.

Thomas Muller put the Bundesliga titans in front in the first half, with Robert Lewandowski then bagging a brace in the aftermath.

Laporta has since addressed the defeat but, while that’s the case, Sport have claimed he’s privately given Koeman three matches to save his job.

If the Barcelona boss loses his power at the Nou Camp, it will see the club embark on yet another managerial hunt.

So Express Sport will now take a look at four names Laporta has to consider if they’re forced into sacking Koeman in the foreseeable future.

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Antonio Conte

Barcelona were linked with Conte back in the summer, shortly after his departure from Inter Milan.

And with the Italian still available, he’ll be at the top of any wishlist if Koeman’s head rolls soon.

Conte has transformed every club he’s been at, achieving success with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter throughout his career so far.

And what’s particularly appealing is his ability to improve and evolve players.

This Barcelona squad isn’t the strongest. So they need a superb manager to get the players operating at the peak of their powers.

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Xavi

Barcelona like to hire managers who have previously played for the club.

That was their logic when it came to hiring Koeman back in the summer of 2019, shortly after Quique Setien’s disastrous spell in charge.

And that means Xavi will inevitably linked in the event that Koeman finds himself unemployed.

The Spaniard won every major trophy throughout his time in Catalonia, establishing himself as one of the best-ever players in their history in the process.

And he’s done well in charge of Al Sadd, steering them to six trophies so far.

Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez was linked with Tottenham in the summer before Spurs ultimately chose to appoint Nuno Espirito Santo instead.

And the Belgium boss would be another contender to take over from Koeman if Laporta believes a change needs making.

He’s helped the Red Devils establish themselves as one of the best international sides on the planet, even if they’re yet to win a trophy.

And Martinez would try and impose his swashbuckling style of play on the Barcelona squad.

Given how he previously managed Everton and Wigan, amongst others, it would be a gamble. But one, potentially, worth taking…

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag was another name linked with Tottenham before he decided to stay at Ajax and sign a new contract instead.

The 51-year-old has evolved this current Ajax team, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

And with Barcelona in need of a rebuilding job, the Dutchman may be the ideal candidate.

Barcelona, as well as having a fondness for employing their former players, also like those with Ajax’s DNA.

So Ten Hag could be another route for Laporta to go down.

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