The latest intel from Spain is suggesting that the former Tottenham Hotspur’s boss, Mauricio Pochettino is the biggest favorite for taking Barcelona’s bench.
Valverde on the Exit Doors
The current manager of the Spanish powerhouse, Ernesto Valverde, is going to be sacked pretty soon, the sources in and close to the club claim. After losing the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia, the frustration among the board members hit the peak. They notified the Basque that he should expect the termination of his contract pretty soon.
Barcelona was leading against Atletico 2-1 in Jeddah, before allowing two goals in the last eight minutes of the contest. It was a slap in the face Blaugrana’s heads couldn’t endure, and the already criticized manager had to suffer consequences.
For quite some time, the 55-year old is under heavy pressure not only because of some poor results but also due to his incapability to set things straight in the locker room and to bring the winning mentality. For two years in a row, Barcelona suffered humiliating eliminations from the Champions League knockout stages, after creating an enormous advantage in the first legs.
Valverde would merely keep his job after last season’s 4-0 at Anfield, and one of the most painful defeats in Barcelona’s history.
Although winning four trophies while working at Camp Nou (two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup), Valverde isn’t very popular among the fans, because of his failures on the international scene. Also, he was leading Espanyol, the city rival previously in his career.
Poch the First Pick
Mauricio Pochettino is currently out of the job and rest. However, that could all change if Barca decides to replace its manager.
One of the best coaches in Europe finished his five-year adventure in North London earlier this year, and is constantly appearing all over the media headlines. His name is in the notebooks of all major clubs who are looking for a new coach, but so far, there were no official offers to the Argentinian.
His tactical knowledge and style of play would be suitable for this generation because Poch likes to play offensive and fast football, which produces high-efficiency and lots of chances.
That is, in fact, one of the essential reasons why fans don’t love Valverde, who knows to be cautious and sometimes slow down the rhythm on the field.
As for Pochettino, some are suggesting that his history, as he also led Espanyol, might be problematic for completing the job. For now, there isn’t any signal form both the fans and the board that such a thing could be an issue. Furthermore, according to the social networks, Blaugrana’s supporters have a positive stance about his possible arrival.
Two other options for Valverde’s replacement are Quique Setien, the former manager of Betis, and also Gabriel Milito, the former defender of the Catalonian team, who is leading Estudiantes back home in Argentina. Milito won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2011.
