5 managers who can replace Ronald Koeman at Barcelona

Ronald Koeman has come under scrutiny as Barcelona has started their new season with only two wins out of five, making Dutchman's future at Barcelona hanging in the balance as Laporte hunts for the next Barcelona manager. 

The current Blaugrana manager, Ronald Koeman, has been constantly criticized for his poor tactics, which saw many people opposing his stay at Barcelona. 

The criticism is not restricted to the team's poor performances this season which includes a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League but also the fact that the Dutchman has failed to acknowledge young talents such as Riqui Puig and Yusuf Demir and their complacent performance against  

However, things got more critical when Barcelona drew to Granada. Now the sacking seems imminent and it seems only about when rather than if the sacking would take place. Joan Laporta is clear that if there's no drastic improvement in foreseeable games, the Catalans will part ways with Koeman. 

With this, Sportco presents you top 5 managers who could succeed the Dutchman as the next Barcelona manager.   

1. Xavi Hernandez 

Since last year, the Catalans legendary midfielder, Xavi has been rumored to be the next Barcelona manager, and even fans are backing him to be the next Catalans manager. Xavi has a great connection with Barcelona boards as he was the product of La Masia. 

Currently, Xavi manages Qatari club Al Sadd and established a great impression in Qatar, winning the league and domestic cup last season. He has implemented tiki-taka at Al Sadd and has thrived in doing so. 

It will be interesting to see how Xavi will manage Barcelona and how he will execute his plans to make the Catalans a competing club again. 

2. Erik Ten Hag 

Erik Ten Hag bewildered the world with his swashbuckling football, which saw Ajax reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. 

Ten Hag has done a great job at Ajax over the last few years, and he has everything that Barcelona needs - youth, style, tactical brilliance and a huge winning mentality.

The 51-year-old can modify the club with his tactical philosophy, and the young talents would also get an opportunity to showcase their expertise. 

Currently, the Dutchman is in control of affairs at Ajax, and Blaugrana will have to wait for a year to approach the Dutchman.    

3. Sergi Barjvan 

Sergi Barjvan is Barcelona B coach and recognizes the Catalan's problems in and out. The Spaniard has been with Barcelona B for quite a long time and could be a good fit if Barcelona bids adieu to Koeman. 

His awareness of the game is profound, and His appointment would not impact Barcelona economy, and if he succeeds at the club, he will be handed a long-term contract. 

4. Jordi Cruyff 

Jordi Cruyff has played under his father, Johan Cruyff, who has an in-depth understanding of playing the Barcelona way and could be the next manager who might get a coaching role at Camp Nou.

The 47-year-old has previously managed some top European clubs, and it will not be a wonder to see him take charge as a manager at Barcelona on a short-term basis. However, he is a sporting adviser but could be the next potential gaffer of Catalans.   

5. Roberto Martinez

The Belgian manager is the second preference after Xavi to take over the helms of the Blaugrana. Martinez, he is seriously considered by the club's president, and we might see him signing for Barcelona if Koeman gets the red light from the club. 

Roberto Martinez has managed Real Zaragoza, Wigan, Swansea, Everton, Motherwell, and Chester City, and his attacking strategy to the game would accommodate Barcelona's system. 

However, there is an issue, the 48-year-old is currently the head coach of Belgium and would want to continue until the 2022 FIFA World Cup. So, it's unlikely he is willing to leave the Red Devils anytime soon.