Five candidates to replace Ernesto Valverde as Barcelona manager
Jose Mourinho
No managerial list would be complete without mentioning the name of Jose Mourinho. The “Special One” has been without a job since being fired by Manchester United and has been using his free time-serving as a pundit.
Like Antonio Conte, he is a big name but even more so than Mikel Arteta, it is unlikely that he is anywhere close to a candidate in the minds of those in charge at Barcelona.
The problem with Mourinho is that he tends to go “scorched earth” wherever he goes. He may have a good first season but after that everything always unravels and rather quickly. We saw that at Real Madrid, his second stint at Chelsea, and at Manchester United. He alienates players and fans alike with his rigid style of play. He publicly goes after players and complains about not being given the resources to build a competitive team despite evidence to the contrary.
But at the same time, he may be what Barcelona need. A manager with personality who is not afraid to bench a player when he is playing poorly. A manager who commands respect in the locker room. Someone who isn’t too buddy-buddy with the players.
Alongside the Manchester United job, the Barcelona job is one Mourinho covets and one that he almost got back in 2008 before it was given to Pep Guardiola. A snub that he has not forgotten. He also has history with Barcelona as he served as a translattor for both Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal.
All that being said, the game seems to have moved past Mourinho and a move to a big club may be the last thing his career needs. For Barcelona, bringing him in would be an even further delegation away from the style implemented by Johan Cruyff and later perfected by Pep Guardiola. Out of all the options, Mourinho has the slimmest of chances of getting the job.
dark. Next. Valverde is under serious pressure at Barcelona
Regardless of who Barcelona choose, it may not even be one of the ones listed here, one thing is certain: Ernesto Valverde cannot continue on as Barcelona manager and the club have to find a suitable replacement.