5 possible replacements for Luis Enrique at Barcelona

3. Michael Laudrup

Another who has both played for Barcelona and been linked with the managerial post in the past, Laudrup’s name has disappeared from the mainstream in recent years.

Denmark’s greatest ever player has enjoyed a more than solid coaching education in his homeland, Russia, Spain, England and most recently the Middle East, enjoying impressive but troubled stints at Mallorca and Swansea City.

Moving first to Lekhwiya and then Al-Rayyan, who he is currently in charge of, may have decreased interest, but he is a player with an aura, perhaps more so than anyone on this list, which rivals those of the current crop of stars at the Catalan club.

The running theme throughout this list is for good reason, because the Barcelona job has different requirements to most. Past success isn’t necessarily a deal maker, as Enrique, Pep Guardiola and Frank Rijkaard, none of whom had much of a track record before taking the responsibility, have proven.

In truth, this one is probably a long shot, and certainly not as desirable as it perhaps was, but Michael Laudrup is another who fits the bill for the hotseat.