Three issues Barcelona have prioritised to work on

Barcelona are nearing the end of the La Liga campaign, and after a long and tumultuous journey, they must now slowly start looking towards the next season. And according to the reliable journalist Gerard Romero of RAC1, the club have already outlined their three biggest priorities.

The Barcelona board as well as the team, first and foremost want to get through the current season, with full focus on the remaining two fixtures. After a bitterly disappointing spell where the hopes of a 27th La Liga title slipped from Barcelona’s hands, they will want to finish the season on a high.

Rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are in prime position to overtake Barcelona in the league, as their draw to Levante has potentially spelt out the end of the Catalans’ hopes of a domestic double. But before drawing any conclusions, the Blaugrana have to try and show their best in their upcoming two games against Celta Vigo and Eibar.

The next agenda, of course, is to address the big question on everyone’s lips— Lionel Messi’s continuity at Barcelona. The negotiations are well underway as Barcelona find themselves in a tricky financial position, but thanks to president Joan Laporta, there remains optimism regarding the Argentine’s renewal.

The final issue is the decision about coach Ronald Koeman’s future at the club. After turning around what promised to be a dismal season, the Dutchman seemed primed to see out his contract with the Catalans, but with disappointing results in many crucial moments of the season, there are now serious doubts about his continuity.

Barcelona have reportedly lined up a fair few candidates to take over the helm if they part ways with Koeman. Some of these rumoured names include Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag, Barcelona B coach Garcia Pimienta, Jordi Cruyff of Shenzhen FC and of course, the long-linked Xavi Hernandez. The latter however, recently signed a new deal with Al-Sadd, so he may not be among the candidates anymore.