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Barcelona rumors: Five managers most likely to replace Luis Enrique

By Christopher Godfrey

Luis Enrique Martinez during the press conference after the FC Barcelona training before the match against Leganes, in Barcelona, on February 18, 2017. (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Luis Enrique Martinez during the press conference after the FC Barcelona training before the match against Leganes, in Barcelona, on February 18, 2017. (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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SEVILLE, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 21: Head Coach of Sevilla FC Jorge Sampaoli  (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 21: Head Coach of Sevilla FC Jorge Sampaoli  (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images) /

Number One: Jorge Sampaoli, Sevilla

Sampaoli has managed to get Sevilla into third place in the La Liga. They are only two points behind Barcelona and impressively they are four points ahead of Atletico Madrid. Clearly he’s doing something right.

Sevilla have been playing some of the best attacking football in Europe.

Chelsea almost appointed him before they chose Antonio Conte instead. Now he is at Sevillla and he’s the leading candidate for the Barcelona job according to widespread reports.

Sampaoli previously led Chile to the Copa America Title in 2015 as head coach.

The Argentine has not ruled-out a potential move to Barcelona amid the reports.

"“It is clear that this profession is about the present and the reality, and the reality now is to strive for this club. Tomorrow, you never know.”"

While Sevilla have reportedly offered him a contract extension, it’s not clear as yet whether he has signed anything.

It’s amazing how he has managed to get a team of somewhat nobodies into one of the best teams in the La Liga. Steven N’Zonzi, formerly of Stoke, has been a revelation as a defensive midfielder while Manchester City reject Samir Nasri looks revitalized.

Sevilla are playing how Barcelona want to be playing right now. It’s not an easy feat but the fact he’s managed to get Sevilla into an even better position than former coach Unai Emery managed is testament to his coaching ability.  Considering Unai Emery is the man responsible for Barcelona’s destruction after they lost to PSG.

If you want to understand why Sevilla and Sampaoli have been so successful watch the above video. Their attacking and constant pressing won them that game against Real Madrid. Sampaoli is not defensive though. Quite the opposite. He wants his players in the final third always. Pressing. Running. Tackling. And the dividends have paid off.

Next: Messi wants to recruit former Real Madrid star

Barcelona will be wise to snatch this man up. Although whether he can manage a team of superstars remains to be seen. He has shown he can turn average players into exceptional ones. The Argentine certainly fits the South American theme that runs through the trio of MSN. He’d be the perfect man to replace Luis Enrique if he leaves.

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