After a season in which Barcelona finished second in both La Liga and the Champions League, the Blaugrana coach was already on the verge of being fired at the end of the 2020-21 season.

But he may not be around much longer following a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich in Champions League matchday one, in which Barcelona failed to register a single attempt on goal. So, if Koeman is fired, who could take his place? Here are four options.

Xavi

It appears to be a matter of when, rather than if, Xavi becomes Barcelona’s coach.

As a player, Xavi was a member of the greatest Barcelona squad in history, winning several local, European, and international trophies, He has been learning his craft as a manager in Qatar with Al Sadd since 2019. In May, he was in talks to replace Koeman, but the Dutchman ultimately stayed.

Xavi has signed a new deal with Al Sadd, but he’d leap at the chance to join Barca right now.

Conte, Antonio

Antonio Conte, who left Inter at the conclusion of last season after leading the team to their first Serie A title in 11 years, is perhaps the most qualified manager on the market right now.

Conte has a reputation for pragmatic, effective football, but he is also willing to walk away from projects if he is not given the funds and liberty to rebuild entire teams to his satisfaction.

That may be an issue for Barcelona, considering that the club is reported to be in debt of approximately €1.3 billion and does not have the funds to strengthen the team in response to Conte’s request. Conte’s counter-attacking strategy may not be popular with Barcelona supporters, who also want to see good football.

Martinez, Roberto

Few would argue that Roberto Martinez understands what he’s doing on the sidelines after leading Belgium to the top spot in international football. And now may be the ideal time for him to return to club football.

Martinez may not have won any medals with the Belgian national team, but he looked impressive, and with the current golden generation on the decline, this may be the ideal moment for him to leave.

Mikel Arteta

Surprisingly, Mikel Arteta was the bookies’ favorite to succeed Ronald Koeman as manager when he was originally on the verge back in May.

Arteta is highly regarded at the Camp Nou boardroom, having grown up in the Barcelona academy between 1997 and 2002, playing for both the Barcelona B and Barcelona C teams. With Arteta on the verge of being fired by Arsenal, it’s possible that both he and his present club might be open to a move to Barcelona. It may be a win-win-win situation for all three parties.

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