Five candidates to replace Ernesto Valverde as Barcelona manager

Quique Setien

Real Betis’ Quique Setien is another name that was rumored for the Barcelona job before the club and Valverde agreed to the one-year extension. His name came into prominence when Betis went into the Camp Nou and obliterated Barcelona.

Since then, however, his stock has fallen dramatically coinciding with a Europa League exit and a freefall in the La Liga standings. A dogmatic manager, he’s seen his side continue to win the possession stat but ultimately fall short. His Betis side currently sits in 13th place, well behind sixth-place Sevilla and any hope of a Europa League spot.

Things have gotten so poorly for Setien that fans, on numerous occasions, have chanted for the dismissal of the 60-year old manager. There were even rumors of Setien being fired by Betis at the end of the season. But, according to Marca, the club have ruled out dismissing Setien amidst reports that Jose Bordalas, the Getafe manager, was contacted by Betis to potentially take over.

It seems that whenever a manger who plays good football beats or gives Barcelona a game, fans or reporters immediately talk that person up as the next Barcelona manager. That was the case for Setien but give his team’s decline, that talk has died down quite significantly.

One of the few things he has going for him is he does have his teams play a possession and attack-minded game. His defense has left much to be desired but maybe he can do better with a better defense which Barcelona do possess. He also has experience in La Liga which the club may value.

Similar to Ernesto Valverde when he was first brought on, he might be a sensible choice but not one that will inspire much fanfare or expectations.