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Ronald Koeman was appointed Barcelona manager ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. The 58-year-old left his job with the Dutch national team to take charge of affairs at Camp Nou,after Barcelona let go Quique Setien. However, Koeman's stint at the Blaugrana has produced more questions than answers so far.
Although the Dutchman led the club to the Copa del Rey trophy last season, failure in the Champions League and a late capitulation in La Liga took away his sheen. Things have hit rock-bottom this term, with the tactician delivering just three victories in nine games across competitions. That leaves him hanging on to his job by a proverbial thread
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As Ronald Koeman's struggles continue at Camp Nou, many are already questioning whether the Dutchman was the right option for Barcelona in the first place. On that note, here are five managers the Blaugrana could've appointed instead of the 58-year-old:
#5 Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman both spent time in the Premier League,, representing Tottenham Hotspur and Everton respectively.
It goes without saying that the current PSG manager enjoyed a decent spell in the English top flight, establishing Spurs among the elite teams in the division.
Pochettino was jobless at the time Barcelona appointed Koeman. Despite his affiliation with the Blaugrana's local rivals Espanyol, the Argentine refused to shut the door on the possibility of taking charge at Camp Nou.
#4 Marcelo Gallardo
Marcelo Gallardo is another manager Barcelona could've turned to instead of Ronald Koeman when they parted ways with Quique Setien last year. The Argentine was heavily linked with the coaching job at Camp Nou. But former president Josep Maria Bartomeu opted against signing Gallardo.
Gallardo's style of play would be a good fit for the Blaugrana. The tactician sets up his teams to build up plays from the back, retain possession and attack aggressively. He's been one of the finest managers in the South American division over the last couple of years.
He helped River Plate claim 12 trophies in the last six seasons, including two Copa Libertadores and one Copa Sudamericana. His attractive style of play and winning mentality make him a decent option for Barcelona.
It's worth noting that the Argentine is among the candidates who are being considered as potential replacements for Ronald Koeman if the Dutchman is sacked anytime soon.
#3 Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa is another manager Barcelona could have appointed instead of Ronald Koeman.
Bielsa has done a commendable job at Leeds United since being appointed their manager ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. The Argentine led the Peacocks to the Premier League just two years after his appointment. He has managed to keep them in the English top flight for the last two seasons.
The tactician plays an attacking brand of football that is beautiful to watch and effective as well. His team shocked the Premier League last season when they beat champions Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. They also earned decent results against Chelsea and Liverpool.
Marcelo Bielsa is a huge admirer of Barcelona. Had the Blaugrana made an approach to secure his services, he would've likely chosen to join them. His style of play apparently suits the Blaugrana's system more than Ronald Koeman's.
#2 Erik Ten Hag
Many expected Barcelona to make a move for Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag when they relieved Quique Setien of his duties ahead of last season. Surprisingly, the Blaugrana opted to appoint Ronald Koeman, who hasn't really justified his appointment.
From many indications, Erik Ten Hag was probably the best option for the Blaugrana. The Dutchman shares the same core principles as Barcelona. He plays attacking football with emphasis on possession, pressing and composure.
The tactician also knows how to get the best out of young talents. His young Ajax side shocked the football world when they defeated Real Madrid and Juventus to reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19.
#1 Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique needs no introduction. The Spaniard was in charge of Barcelona during one of the most successful periods in the club's history. He guided the Blaugrana to the top of European football, and made a huge statement in the league as well.
Barcelona were a huge force to be reckoned with under Luis Enrique. The Blaugrana struck fear into opposition teams with a forward line of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
The tactician delivered a historic quintuple during the 2014-15 campaign, winning the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
He led Barcelona to ten trophies during his three-year spell at Camp Nou, making him one of the most successful managers in the club's history. It would've made sense to turn to the Spaniard instead of Koeman.
