Barcelona’s Argentine manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino looks set to be given his marching orders this summer as the Catalan giants slump towards a miserable finish to their season.

They were dumped out of the Champions League at the quarter final stage by Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid have just triumphed over them in the Copa del Rey final and Barca are currently sitting behind both Madrid sides in La Liga.

Martino hasn’t been able to get Barcelona to play to their full potential. They can still dominate games in terms of possession but they seem to lack that cutting edge that seemed to come to the squad so naturally in the past.

Star-man Lionel Messi has failed to shine as brightly this campaign. He had an inept performance and seemed to be in a strange mood in the final against Real. He certainly wasn’t himself. New boy Neymar has fallen away after a decent start to his career in Spain. The Brazilian superstar is still adapting to life in Barcelona and his transfer saga has clearly affected him. Now it seems Martino just doesn’t have the man management abilities to help these fine players regain their form.

Now if it really is going to be ta-ta to ‘Tata’, then who will Blaugrana replace him with?

Here are a few managers who may fit the bill and be on the Barca shortlist.

Jurgen Klopp – The Borussia Dortmund manager is one of the best bosses currently managing in Europe. He has worked wonders at the Westfalenstadion. He likes an exciting, attacking brand of football and that will have won him admirers in the Barca camp. He’s able to get the best from the youngster members of a team and get the most from his squads, this will be seen as another big plus for the German gaffer. May also be wanted by Man Utd and may not fancy leaving the Bundesliga at this current juncture.

Luis Enrique – The former Barca legend had much success with the Barcelona B team as coach. He’s been made favourite by the Spanish bookies according to Marca. Moved on to boss Roma in 2011 but only lasted a season in Italy after failing to implement his methods to full effect. Now back in Spain and Enrique seems to have steadied the ship at Celta Vigo, getting them to a mid-table position. Could be seen as Guardiola Mk II. It seems to be his destiny to one day manage Barcelona but is that time now?

Diego Simeone – The Atletico Madrid manager has given the Catalan club a few bloody noses during his time in charge at the Vicente Calderon. The former Argentine international might be seen as the inspirational boss that could lift Messi and co. But would he leave his current club for a rival side? He might if he believes he can’t take El Atleti any further forward after this phenomenal season.

Frank de Boer – A young manager who was once an integral member of the Barca team back in his playing days, winning the La liga title with them in 1999. Has inspired Ajax and guided the Amsterdam outfit to three league titles in a row, plus they are on the verge of clinching this seasons championship too. Knows all about the Barca traditions, likes to play good football and trusts the younger players. Wouldn’t be the first Dutch boss to move from Ajax to Barcelona!

Arsene Wenger – The French boss has yet to agree on a new deal at Arsenal and may feel his time in London has come to an end. His abilities have been admired in Spain for a long time now, especially with those in charge at the Camp Nou. But his judgement has been called into question a lot recently and this chance may have passed him by.

So there you have my list of possible men ready to answer the Barca call if they get it.

But for whoever takes on the job they must know that the task in which they undertake is a huge one. The squad needs major surgery especially with veterans Victor Valdes and Carles Puyol leaving the club.  But they may not get a chance to bring in immediate replacements for those two stalwarts as UEFA have imposed a transfer ban on the Spanish giants for the next two transfer windows. If they lose the upcoming appeal then times could be tough for Barcelona.

That is why for me, Frank de Boer and Luis Enrique have an edge on other prospective Barca targets. They know what is needed to represent Barcelona Football Club and know the institution very well. They are winners and those key qualities could be just what is needed at this time of discontent.

Posted on April 17th, 2014 by scott
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