Barcelona could be looking for a new manager after UCL elimination
Although there is a concerted effort on the part of the Barcelona management to retain managers till their contracts expire, that may not be the case with Ernesto Valverde after he failed to guide the side to a treble despite high expectations this season.
Last season, Barça faltered in the quarter-final stage, with Roma making a stunning comeback in the second leg. The same has occurred this season, but in the semi-final. A well-rested Barça first-team was beaten 4-0 by a second-string tired Liverpool side.
Valverde has managed to lead Barça to the La Liga title for a second season in a row, and the Blaugrana are still favourites to win the Copa del Rey. But the Champions League drought must affect the squad, and such an European record is not good for a club of Barça’s stature.
There is still the possibility that Valverde will get a third chance to prove his worth, after he signed a new deal this season. But he also may be forced to resign by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, and could even do it of his own accord.
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In that case, Barça would need a replacement, someone who could do what Valverde failed to do. There are a host of options, but one is most attractive, José Mourinho. The legendary head coach has been without a club since he was sacked by Manchester United earlier this season.
Mourinho has a history at the club. He attained prominence as assistant to Bobby Robson at Barça, and had a very successful spell with Robson’s successor Louis van Gaal. His tenure as assistant manager of Barça yielded 7 trophies for the club.
After leaving Barça, Mourinho took over as Benfica head coach to begin a managerial career where he would win 25 major titles. The Portuguese firebrand manager is on a break from coaching, but is expected to be available from the end of the season.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Mourinho is picked as the successor to Valverde. He would demand a huge salary, in all probability. But considering his stature and his ability to deliver, it would be worth it.