Five candidates to replace Ernesto Valverde as Barcelona manager

Ajax's Dutch coach Erik Ten Hag (L) reacts next to Real Madrid's Argentinian coach Santiago Solari during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and Ajax at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 5, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Ajax's Dutch coach Erik Ten Hag (L) reacts next to Real Madrid's Argentinian coach Santiago Solari during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Real Madrid CF and Ajax at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 5, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) /
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FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 12: Antonio Conte during the “Golden Bench” award at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on November 12, 2018 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 12: Antonio Conte during the “Golden Bench” award at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on November 12, 2018 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) /

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.