Barcelona consider Ajax coach as Koeman replacement

As per RAC1’s Gerard Romero, Barcelona have lined up three options to replace Ronald Koeman if the Dutchman were to part ways with the club after the end of this season. After a disappointing string of results in the league, serious doubts have reportedly risen about Koeman.

Romero states that the names in contention for the job include Xavi Hernandez, who has been linked with a coaching return to Barcelona for a long time, B-team coach Garcia Pimienta and Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag.

Even after the dismissal of Ernesto Valverde, Ten Hag was supposedly on Barcelona’s radar and seemed to be a fan favourite after his heroics in the 2018-19 season with Ajax. Now, the Dutchman’s name has once again surfaced to arrive in Spain if his compatriot Koeman were to leave.

Despite a relatively successful transition season, Ronald Koeman’s first year in charge has left a lot to be desired, whether in terms of results or his treatment of certain players. After a dismal start, Barcelona’s season rapidly turned around, and a Copa del Rey triumph was followed by hopes of a La Liga title as well.

Those aspirations quickly crumbled as the team failed to step up and get results in some of the most vital games of the season. Since then, a vast number of reports have stated that Barcelona will look to replace Koeman.

However, aside from Pimienta, both the other candidates present issues since they recently signed contract extensions with their current clubs. Xavi renewed for two seasons with Qatari outfit Al-Sadd and Ten Hag also signed an extension with Ajax, following which he has also led them to the Eredivisie title.

With two games remaining in the season, Barcelona have some serious thinking to do regarding who will preside over the dugout next season.