“Nobody knows who will replace Koeman, not even Laporta” – Journalist verdict

Responding to a query from Twitter user Furia Cule, SPORT journalist Toni Juanmarti has given a surprise verdict on who could be the next manager of Barcelona.

Ronald Koeman’s job had been under serious threat after a disappointing fortnight during which the team lost to Bayern Munich before playing out disappointing draws against Granada and Cadiz.

However, last weekend’s 3-0 win over Levante brought about some hope that it was not all doom and gloom. But that optimism was short-lived as Barcelona were completely outplayed by SL Benfica in their second UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night on the way to yet another 3-0 defeat.

It was yet another listless display, especially in defence, and the scoreline could have been much worse had Benfica been more clinical in front of goal. Koeman’s team selection, tactics, substitutions were all seriously questionable on the night.

And considering the performance, one feels it has to be the last straw. After all, it is the first time in two decades that Barca have lost two consecutive group games in the Champions League and have now gone five games on a trot without a win in the competition for the first time since 1997.

Naturally, talks of a replacement have already been doing the rounds, with the names of Xavi Hernandez and Roberto Martinez being discussed.

Journalist Toni Juanmarti, however, claims that as things stand, there is no clear choice as to who could take over from Koeman. When asked on Twitter about the likeliest option to replace the Dutchman, the journalist replied: “Nobody knows. Not even Laporta.”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta certainly finds himself in a difficult situation. With a huge game against Atletico Madrid coming up at the weekend, he will need to be wary of destabilising the squad with a sudden change of managers. At the same time, the question of how long can Koeman be allowed to continue also remains.

A crucial next few days lie ahead for Barcelona.