While no official changes have taken place at Barcelona as of now, several shake-ups are set to occur in the wake of their historic 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. One immediate action that can be expected is a managerial change.
Nothing has been announced but everyone is aware that Quique Setien either will be or has already been sacked. A statement regarding the coach's future is set to come on Monday but the question on everyone's mind is not when will Setien depart, but rather who will replace him.
Speaking to journalist Victor Navarro, Josep Maria Bartomeu had this to say about the current gaffer: "He's out!" Navarro made this confession to the Cadena Cope radio station, all but confirming the inevitable for Setien.
Immediately after the loss to Bayern Munich, Mauricio Pochettino emerged as the favorite to take over at Camp Nou. However, his odds have dropped and a new frontrunner has emerged: Ronald Koeman.
— The Board meeting begins. Some are in the offices others are dialling in. The dismissal of Setién will be made official. Bartomeu's choice for his replacement is Koeman. Others in the board want García Pimienta. Pochettino is no longer an option. [cope] pic.twitter.com/QkossGRrvx
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 17, 2020
El Chiringuito de Jugones (as per Marca) added more fuel to this speculation by publishing a photo of the Dutch tactician at an airport in Barcelona. Could he have been in the city for talks with the club or for personal reasons? While the exact reason behind his presence remains unknown, one can speculate as to why the Blaugrana-linked tactician headed to Catalonia.
[@davidibanez5] | Ronald Koeman at El Prat Barcelona Airport leaving on a Private flight. pic.twitter.com/t4Vwi5bXqV
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) August 16, 2020
Regardless, there are reasons to believe Koeman would turn down the offer, the most obvious being his desire to lead the Netherlands in next summer's European Championship. Additionally, the reign of current Barcelona president Bartomeu will, at the most, come to an end in the summer of 2021. This means in a year's time – or less, given calls for Bartomeu to resign – there will be changes to the board, making the future of the incoming boss insecure.