Laporta’s five candidates to replace Ronald Koeman at Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona’s harrowing defeat to Bayern Munich has sent shockwaves throughout the footballing sphere. Ronald Koeman’s tactical failures meant that the team was on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline, losing his third Champions League home game in a row by a three-goal margin.

There were several reports that Joan Laporta was looking for immediate replacements for the Dutch manager should the situation remain unchanged, and he now has his list of five managers, according to BTV eSports.

The first in line would be Jordi Cruyff, son of Johan Cruyff. He was appointed as the club’s sporting adviser and leads the scouting department as well.

The Dutchman has coaching experience in China, was at the helm of Ecuador for a brief stint and coached in Maccabi Tel Aviv. His appointment as manager would only be a temporary one until another one is appointed.

Next we have Sergi Barjuan. The Spaniard has been involved with Barcelona for quite a long time and is currently coaching the B team. His appointment would make the most sense from an economic and sporting standpoint, as he would cost nothing to promote and could be handed a long term contract should he succeed.

Henrik Larsson is another name on Laporta’s big five. The Swede is currently the third coach in the first team and knows the squad reasonably well given his background with the players. At this point, he knows first-hand what problems affect the team, and unlike Koeman, he is known to keep a low profile.

Xavi Hernandez is another name on the list. He has been touted with a return to the Camp Nou as manager for some years, quite literally from the start of his managerial career. He would be provided with a long term project but would also like to be in charge of the club’s sporting sphere, which may make things difficult.

Erik Ten Haag is last and least likely. The Dutch manager has been in the same school of thought as Johan Cruyff and knows exactly what is desired at a club like Barcelona. His Ajax side stunned the world in 2019 with their swashbuckling football in the UEFA Champions League, knocking giants Juventus and Real Madrid out in the round of 16 and quarters.

The biggest issue with regards to his possible arrival would come in the fact he currently has a job at Ajax, and there is next to no chance of him leaving before the end of the campaign. He might be considered for next season, though.

Koeman’s future hangs in the balance. If his football and results do not improve soon, he could be on his way out very soon.