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..
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.
