Barcelona have prepared four-man shortlist to replace Ernesto Valverde at Nou Camp.
Barcelona have won three trophies in two years under their current manager Ernesto Valverde. But, that would not suffice to keep his job given the lofty standards set by the board. 82 points was enough to seal the league title which is a formality, whilst they blew their chances in the Champions League and Copa Del Rey.
Taking a three-goal lead from Nou Camp in the first leg of the Semifinals, they were blown away by Liverpool. Anfield played a huge factor once the Reds got an early goal through their attacker Divock Origi. The bubble burst when Gini Wijnaldum scored twice and Origi scored the winner in the second half.
Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi spoke about the distraught mentality while heading to the Copa Del Rey set up against Valencia. They let Marcelinho’s side score twice in the first half and the only goal from Lionel Messi proved consolation.
In the post-match interview, Gerard Pique said that whole side was not prepared for this game after the mental damage in Anfield. Fans have been protesting to bring a new coach to replace Ernesto Valverde, and it did not stop after the Copa Del Rey, inevitably.
It has prompted the board to take action to sack Ernesto Valverde in the future. According to the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugrana hierarchy have prepared for a four-man shortlist to replace their current manager. Unai Emery, Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto Martinez, and Ronald Koeman are set to be heading the hot seat at Nou Camp.
Unai Emery joined Arsenal last summer and is on course to another Europa League triumph. Massimiliano Allegri recently left Juventus, whereas, Roberto Martinez and Ronald Koeman are currently traded to Belgium and Netherlands currently.
The shortlist might not look pretty, but those four have a proven track record over the last few years.
Here’s how Twitter reacted..
📰 [Metro via MD] | Unai Emery is one of four candidates Barcelona are considering to replace Ernesto Valverde
Emery joins former Everton boss Roberto Martinez, ex-Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri and Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman on the four-man shortlist. pic.twitter.com/AAMf4ufxwE
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) May 27, 2019
Unai Emery tops Barcelona’s 4 man shortlist to replace Valverde. Even ahead of Max Allegri. [Mundo Deportivo]
— LTArsenal™ (@ltarsenal) May 27, 2019
UNAI EMERY is on Barcelona’s four-man shortlist to replace Ernesto Valverde.
The La Liga champs suffered a shocking drop in form in the last weeks of the season, putting their manager’s future in doubt. (Mundo Deportivo) pic.twitter.com/siwdnU9Uzu— Arsenal Transfers (@ArsenalNews93) May 27, 2019
Barcelona eyeing up Unai Emery and 3 others as they plan for life after Ernesto Valverde #AFC #FCB https://t.co/ksxcvHBcPh
— Daily Star Sport (@DailyStar_Sport) May 27, 2019
According to @mundodeportivo, Barcelona looking at alternatives should Ernesto Valverde decide he is not the person to manage the club next season. If it does have happen Barcelona have four options:
– Ronald Koeman
– Massimiliano Allegri
– Roberto Martienz
– Unai Emery pic.twitter.com/2reL8obhaQ— Yousef Teclab (@yousef_teclab) May 27, 2019
What’s next?
Barcelona’s board is yet to take a decision on Ernesto Valverde’s future. There is a high possibility for an incoming coach although.