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#3 Xavi
Xavi Hernandez is one of the best players in Barcelona's illustrious history. The midfield maestro knows what it takes to win trophies and was one of the driving forces behind one of Barcelona's most glorious eras of all time.
The Catalan has now become a coach and has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to Barcelona to take up a managerial role. Xavi has strong ideals and will refuse to compromise on his beliefs at the club. The former midfielder is one of Barcelona's favourite sons and can potentially seize the opportunity to make his storied return.
It can be argued, however, that this is the worst possible time for Xavi to take up the reins as Barcelona's manager. The club is in need of a complete squad overhaul and the administration is currently dabbling in mediocrity and antiquity. Xavi has never managed a big club before and while that has not stopped many of Barcelona's most successful managers, the former player's appointment at this stage is too great a risk.
#2 Pep Guardiola
Barcelona fans would give anything to go back to the club's glory days, where the Blaugrana's success was a predetermined outcome and was taken for granted by pundits across the world.
Pep Guardiola was appointed after Barcelona suffered a horrible 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid in 2008. Barcelona was in a similar state of disarray before Guardiola revolutionised the club and created an emblem of power and beauty. Guardiola's Barcelona has become a symbol of domination and the legend continues to grow with every passing year.
The only reason Guardiola is not at the top of the list is that there is next to no chance of him taking Quique Setien's place at Barcelona. The Catalan manager has repeatedly reiterated his commitment to Manchester City and will likely reject an opportunity to revive the fortunes of his hometown club.
#1 Mauricio Pochettino
Not all Barcelona fans will agree with this appointment but given the current situation, Mauricio Pochettino may well be the best choice to bring Barcelona back from the brink. The Argentine manager is a proven tactician and while his style may not be compatible with Barcelona's philosophy, the Catalan giants cannot afford to be stubborn at the moment.
The only thing that works against Pochettino is his lack of trophies but Barcelona is likely to ignore his past failures. Mauricio Pochettino is currently available to Barcelona and if reports are to be believed, the club has already initiated negotiations with the former Tottenham man.
Pochettino has an excellent record with youth players and can potentially restore La Masia to its former glory. The Argentine coach is also equipped with impeccable man-management skills and will not be held hostage by an evidently immature Barcelona dressing room.
Barcelona needs to appoint a strong personality as its manager and Pochettino is the most suitable candidate at the moment. It is only a matter of time before the Blaugrana sack Quique Setien and the former Spurs manager is currently the front-runner to take his place.
