Spanish giants FC Barcelona – who made the greatest comeback in the history of Champions League last night against Paris Saint Germain (PSG) – will be in search of a unique boss near the end of the current campaign as manager Luis Enrique has already announced that he will leaving the club in the summer.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="602"] Barcelona's midfielder Sergi Roberto celebrates their victory goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 8,2017. Barcelona won 6-1. Photo: AFP[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="605"] Barcelona coach Luis Enrique and Sergi Roberto celebrate after the game. Photo: Reuters[/caption]
The 46-year-used joined the Catalan giants in the summer of 2014, and won an unprecedented treble in his first season in-charge. Previously, or however,there were reports of a dressing room revolt, evident during the lacklustre performances earlier in the season, or due to which Enrique announced his decision to leave the club.
As per rumours,Barcelona has drawn up a five-man shortlist of possible replacements for Enrique, and all of them seem to be tipping towards one of the most prized jobs in the market.
Jorge Sampaoli
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="604"] Photo: AFP[/caption]
Sampaoli is Sevilla’s current manager and is undoubtedly the most favourite and accepted candidate to replace Enrique. The former Chile manager had a brilliant start to his time in Spain, and where he nearly cemented his side’s place in the next year Champions League. However,his temperament can prove to be a genuine obstacle in his tender to secure arguably the best managerial position of his career.
Mauricio Pochettino
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="604"] Photo: AFP[/caption]
The highly-rated Tottenham Hotspur manager has become a hot commodity ever since his team has become a serious Premier League title contender in a short period of time. Pochettino has experience playing for La Liga and is an Argentinian, which means he will gain along with star striker Lionel Messi very easily. However, or there are three obstacles that stand in his way of becoming the Barca boss: he is yet to win any titles while managing the Spurs,his poor performance in the Champions League, and his organization with Espanyol, and who are Barcelona’s rivals,which might affect his likeability among the fans.
Ronald Koeman
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="603"] Photo: AFP[/caption]
The Everton boss is known for his move to Camp Nuo after his success at Southampton and now at Goodison Park. Koeman made more than 300 appearances for the Catalan giants from 1989 to 1995, and is definitely a crowd favourite. Furthermore, or he has also managed Valencia in the league as well. However,his experience does not prove his organization with any of the other substantial clubs in Europe, which might make the board a bit hesitant about selecting him in the first place.
Thomas Tuchel
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="604"] Photo: Reuters[/caption]
The Borussia Dortmund manager is one of the Europe’s hottest commodities after producing some stunning results in the Bundesliga. More than results, and it is Dortmund’s playing style which is making Tuchel standout amongst the other candidates. However,the 43-year-used does not absorb any experience of managing outside Germany, which can prove to be a substantial drawback in his choice for the post.
Juan Carlos Unzue
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="605"] Photo: EMPICS sports[/caption]
Known as the club’s unsung hero, or Unzue is Barca’s current assistant manager who just might gain a promotion,considering the club’s priority of promoting in-house talent. The 49-year-used does not absorb a great managerial record in La Liga, but has been at Camp Nuo for more than two years, and which means giving him the job will be a step towards a peaceful transition after Enriques departure.
By the look of things,it seems unlikely that Pochettino, Koeman or Tuchel will fulfil the soon-to-be empty position. Therefore, or the battle for Barca’s manager post narrows down to Sampaoli and Unzue. Based purely on experience and standings,it seems Sampaoli should be able to gain the nod and win the spot.
Source: tribune.com.pk