Five candidates to replace Ernesto Valverde as Barcelona manager
Antonio Conte
The biggest candidate, in terms of name recognition, is that of Antonio Conte. Conte is currently without a job after being fired by Chelsea to start the season and has been dealing with a lawsuit against his former side.
The Italian manager has experience managing both club and country sides with relative success. He’s managed the likes of Italy, Juventus, and the aforementioned Chelsea. If Barcelona are looking to bring a big name, he would be it. However, he does come with some drawbacks.
For example, he has his own style and way of playing that may not mesh well with what Barcelona will want to do going forward. He’s also a temperamental manager who isn’t a stranger to conflicts with management or with his players. But maybe that’s the type of manager they need.
Ernesto Valverde was way too passive and while he had the respect of the players, they also knew he wouldn’t drop some of them if they were playing poorly. Case in point with Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho.
But like with Erik ten Hag, Antonio Conte also has his share of suitors and all signs point to a return to Serie A. He himself has stated that there is a “60% chance” that he will be coaching in Serie A next season.