Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde recently revealed to Barca TV that he is unsure of whether he will be undertaking a coaching role next season. The Spaniard’s contract with the Catalan club expires in the summer of 2019, but a clause in the contract states that it could be extended by one more year if the parties involved agree.
Managing one of the best clubs in the world is demanding and the expectations are incredibly high. Barcelona won a domestic double in Valverde’s first year at the club and only a treble can top that.
These are some of the candidates who could replace the 54-year-old, should he part ways with the Spanish giants.
Quique Setien
Current club: Real Betis
Quique Setien
Why Setien: The self-confessed Cruijffista will be the perfect replacement for Valverde at Barcelona. Setien has implemented the ‘Total Football’ system at Real Betis and impressed fans throughout Europe with his exciting brand of football. This blends well with the Barcelona philosophy and the attributes of the players suits such a system.
Why not Setien: The fact that the Spaniard has not coached a top European club until now could work against him. Valverde had not coached a top European club before he took over at Barcelona but he had a history with the club, having played under Johan Cruyff.
Suitability: 9/10
Likelihood: 6/10
Antonio Conte
Current club: None
Antonio Conte
Why Conte: The Italian has an impressive track record at the top level in club and international football. Conte won the Premier League in the 2016/17 season and revolutionised the concept of a three-man defence in the process.
Why not Conte: The fact that the Italian could not maintain the dressing room at Chelsea was a contributing factor to why he was ousted. He might have to deal with bigger egos at Barcelona and the ride might not be smooth.
Suitability: 6/10
Likelihood: 5/10
Marcelino
Current club: Valencia
Marcelino.
Why Marcelino: The Valencia boss knows the league well and has prior experience managing clubs like Sevilla and Villarreal. Marcelino also led Valencia to a fourth-place finish last season.
Why not Marcelino: Valencia’s recent results from this season make a case for why the Spaniard might not be the best option. A step up from a struggling Valencia to a Barcelona – who by the end of the season could have won the league – would be extremely challenging.
Suitability: 6/10
Likelihood: 5/10
Name Xavi
Current club: Player, Al Sadd
Xavi
Why Xavi: A legend at Barcelona, the player knows the club inside out. Xavi never hesitated mentioning his desire to coach the club someday. The 38-year-old will be most likely implement Pep Guardiola’s system, or a variation. This is a proven mantra and the chances that he will taste success is high.
Why not Xavi: Too soon. The La Masia graduate has had no coaching experience whatsoever. He would be better off gaining some experience before accepting this massive responsibility.
Suitability: 8/10
Likelihood: 2/10
Garcia Pimienta
Current club: Barcelona B
Garcia Pimienta
Why Pimienta: The Barcelona B coach knows the youngsters very well and their transition from the B team to the first squad could be smooth. Pimienta could be a great long-term option. Again, the Spaniard’s philosophy is in line with that of the club.
Why not Pimienta: The 44-year-old might not be a great short-term option, mainly due to the fact that he has no experience of coaching a team in the first division. That being said, Barcelona did take the risk with Pep Guardiola a decade ago and that turned out pretty well.
Suitability: 9/10
Likelihood: 5/10