Barcelona is a club which has always attracted the best managerial talent
From Rinus Michels to Frank Rijkaard, Barcelona have always hired some of the best managers in the world at the peak of their powers. While some managers have been experiments of sorts (the best example being Pep Guardiola), the Blaugrana have been managed by some big names too.
When Louis van Gaal was brought in from Ajax, he was among the highest-rated emerging coaches in Europe. Similarly, the appointment of Gerardo Martino was a high-profile one, considering his stature in South American football.
Currently, Barça are facing what is best described as an identity crisis. The philosophy of the club has been lost in the sea of money that has been thrown at players, and the result has been a curious goulash of characterless football.
Ernesto Valverde’s contract is up at the end of the season, with an option for a one-year extension. The way things are going, that option is certain to remain unused. In fact, the Basque coach could be sacked this season itself if results worsen.
In any case, Barcelona will need a new manager to helm a fresh sporting project from the beginning of next season. He has to oversee an exodus, like Guardiola did when he started to rebuild the club. But more importantly, he needs to instill tiki-taka back in the ‘Barça DNA’.