Does Barcelona Have a Manager?

By Anna Duncan

Does Barcelona Have a Manager?

In the world of football, managers play a crucial role in shaping the success and direction of a team. Barcelona, one of the most illustrious clubs in the history of the sport, has always been known for its strong managerial presence. However, as of the current season, Barcelona finds itself in a unique predicament.

The Departure of Ernesto Valverde

Ernesto Valverde served as Barcelona’s manager from 2017 to 2020. Under his tenure, Barcelona won two consecutive La Liga titles but struggled to achieve their desired success in the UEFA Champions League. Despite these accomplishments, Valverde’s time at Barcelona came to an end in January 2020 following a series of disappointing performances.

The Arrival of Quique Setién

Following Valverde’s departure, Quique Setién was appointed as Barcelona’s new manager. Setién, known for his attractive and possession-based style of play, was expected to bring a fresh approach to the team. However, his tenure at Barcelona was short-lived.

  • Style Over Substance: Setién’s philosophy aligned with Barcelona’s historical emphasis on possession-based football. However, results on the pitch did not meet expectations.
  • Poor Performance: In August 2020, Barcelona suffered an embarrassing 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals under Setién’s guidance.
  • Lack of Unity: Reports emerged about a lack of harmony and communication between Setién and some key players within the squad.

The Current Situation

As of now, Barcelona is without a permanent manager. Following Setién’s dismissal, the club has been led on an interim basis by Ronald Koeman, a former Barcelona player and Dutch football legend.

Koeman’s appointment brought some optimism to the club. He has made notable changes to the squad, including the departure of certain players and the promotion of young talents from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy.

However, it is important to note that as an interim manager, Koeman’s future at Barcelona remains uncertain. The club is currently undergoing presidential elections which may influence the decision on who will be appointed as the long-term manager.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barcelona is currently in a state of transition regarding its managerial position. While Quique Setién failed to live up to expectations, Ronald Koeman has provided temporary stability.

The upcoming presidential elections will determine who will ultimately take charge of one of football’s most iconic clubs. Until then, fans and observers eagerly await news of Barcelona’s next permanent manager.