Klopp ‘tops Barcelona shortlist’ as Ronald Koeman sack looms after Benfica loss

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly 'top of Barcelona's shortlist' to replace Ronald Koeman as the sack looms over the Dutchman following the club's 3-0 loss to Benfica.

The result was their second consecutive 3-0 loss in the Champions League from two matches this season and leaves Barca bottom of their group.

Spanish outlet El Nacional are now reporting that Koeman is on the verge of the sack after his side's poor start to the season which sees them sixth in La Liga.

Despite still being unbeaten domestically, Barcelona have been held to a 0-0 draw away to Cadiz and also drew at home to Granada.

El Nacional also report that Klopp is a part of the Barca hierarchy's four-man strong shortlist to replace the under pressure Koeman.

Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez and former Barca midfielder Xavi, who manages Al-Sadd in Qatar, make up the rest of the list.

Klopp is thought to be the most difficult of these four to appoint, with a release clause likely to be required to prize him away from Liverpool.

In addition, Klopp has previously stated that he wants to take a break from management once he leaves Liverpool, with his current contract expiring in 2024.

Would Jurgen Klopp leave Liverpool to take over at Barcelona? Let us know in the comments section below.

Sacking Koeman is also less than straight forward and will incur costs that Barcelona may not have the funds to cover due to their financial issues.

ESport3 report that a clause in Koeman's contract means he would be owed 6million Euros if the club prevent him from seeing out the two-year deal he agreed to in August 2020.

Koeman does, however, have no doubts over the poor start his side have made in Europe so far, telling reporters after the loss to Benfica that: "I'm not going to argue about the level of my team.

"There's no point in comparing this with Barcelona teams of years gone by. That's as clear as water.

"I can only give you my opinion of my work at the club – I feel backed by my players and their attitude."

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