But I don't think they'll fire Setien, because if they do, what are the alternatives? Xavi is out as he's contracted with his club in Qatar, Ronald Koeman wants to coach the Netherlands in Euro 2021. The only realistic big name that could take over now is Massimiliano Allegri, who doesn't have a job since leaving Juventus in 2019. There were also rumours that Barca was contacting Arsene Wenger of all people.
Pochettino. Sure, historically linked with Espanyol, but when two desperate parties meet, your past is meaningless. However, don't think the cules will be entirely pleased if this happens, but you know football, yesterday's words mean nothing today.
Pocchetino would be a very bold move by the board considering the things he said in the past, but as you said, both might be desperate and he already backtracked on some of his comments a few weeks ago iirc. I guess the somewhat safer bet would be to promote Pimienta from the B squad. Did okay with them the past two years, just missed the promotion back to the second division. Could be sold as a throwback move akin to Guardiola, maybe. And if that doesn't work out either, get Xavi next year. At this point, I think it's either him or a really big name like Pocchetino or Wenger, but who even knows what happens in the next weeks ...
I know that this will sound controversial, but it think for the club to prosper Messi needs to go before the fanbase completely turns on him and blame solely him for all the failures
Surely Erik Ten Hag should be in contention for the Barcelona job, he's had good success with young players, knows how to get the best out of De Jong, who Barcelona should be building their midfield around going forward and played in a style that would please the fans and board at the club.
I know Barcelona tend to go for Spanish managers, or at least ones out of La Liga, but I genuinely think Ten hag is good enough to get a shot at the Barcelona job and taking Cruyff out of Ajax worked back then so why not give Ten Hag a shot at doing the same.
Honestly though, Someone like Nagelsmann, Rose or Marsch would be really good options but Barcelona would never go for one of them despite their styles all fitting the traditional Barcelona way and all having proven their worth at RB Salzburg, building up young prospects, which is something Barcelona should look at again if they want La Masia to regain the rep it had when Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Puyol and Pique were the star names coming through. Who exactly have they had in more recent years?
It'll be Pocchetino. Bartomeu is a known fan of his, and i believe they know each other and have a good relationship. Plus no pay off to another squad, proven success in the CL, recognised as a coach who improves players, he can opperate well with a limited budget.
Xavi and Bartomeu do not get on, at all. Maybe with a new President in 2021 he'd come in, but they need someone now.
Leipzig would never let Nagelsmann go, same for Ajax and Ten Hag. Both are contracted for a few more years at least and in strong enough positions financially and results wise to fend off advances.
You just know Barca were hoping Man City's ban would remain, so they could try and bring Guardiola back. Maybe they could tempt Nuno Santos from Wolves.
Whoever comes in, they need to make Bartomeu clear out the first XI. It's too stale, too old, and paid too much. Trust in La Masia again and give chances to Fati, Pedri, Moriba, Ruig, Alena, de la Fuente, get hands on Garcia from City and actually think about their recruitment to fill gaps, and not just add more wide forwards.
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
