Three potential replacements for Ronald Koeman

With a string of disappointing results after the international break, the speculations surrounding Ronald Koeman’s future at the club are at their peak. A 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich and a last-gasp draw against a struggling Granada side have put immense pressure on Koeman, with many dissatisfied with his team selections and tactics.

According to media reports, Barca President Joan Laporta has shortlisted a few candidates to take over the managerial position from Koeman. This has, reportedly, come after a section of the board members want the Dutchman to be sacked from the club after a meeting last Thursday.

Koeman was hired after the 8-2 debacle against Bayern Munich in August 2020, by the previous board led by Josep Maria Bartomeu. His tenure at Barca has been filled, with ups and downs, with winning the Copa Del Rey last season being the highest point. Koeman’s current deal sees him at the club till June 2022.

Here are three potential names who could replace Koeman in the near future.

Jordi Cruyff-

The son of the great Johan Cruyff and former Barcelona midfielder Jordi Cruyff’s name has surfaced, in recent weeks, to replace his compatriot Koeman. Last managing Shenzhen FC in the Chinese Super League in 2020, Cruyff was appointed as a sporting advisor by Laporta this June.

His best managerial stint was at Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he guided the club to the UEFA Europa League group stages, after four qualifying rounds, in the 2017-18 season.

Reportedly, Cruyff has already been approached by Laporta to manage the team, however, the former has not accepted the proposal as a mark of respect for his long-time friend Koeman.

It remains to be seen whether Cruyff decides to alter his decision with the club actively seeking to find a replacement for Koeman.

Roberto Martinez-

The current Belgium National team’s manager, Roberto Martinez’s name, has also been linked to the hot seat at Barcelona. This is, moreover, not the first time Martinez is among the potential candidates for the Barca job. His name had also surfaced when Bartomeu’s board was looking for Setien’s replacement.

Martinez is expected to be at the helm of Belgium till the Qatar World Cup, however, a serious approach from Barcelona is sure to move a few heads.

The last club side that Martinez managed was Everton, from where he was sacked in May 2016. He has been managing Belgium since August 2016, yearning for international glory with their golden generation.

Eric ten Hag-

The 51-year-old Dutchman, Eric ten Hag, is touted by many as the ideal choice for Barcelona. With the experience of guiding a young Ajax side to the later stages of the Champions League, Hag has also played a pivotal role in the development of current Barca midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

Moreover, the current assistant manager of Barcelona, Alfred Schreuder, was the assistant of Hag in the 2018-19 season. So, the transition to Barcelona should not be a major issue for Hag.

The manager of Ajax since 2017, Hag has guided the club to multiple league titles and domestic cups. Ajax has also commenced their Champions League campaign this season with a big win against Sporting Lisbon.