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Barcelona's Five-man Managerial Shortlist To Replace Ronald Koeman Includes Jurgen Klopp

Barcelona's Five-man Managerial Shortlist To Replace Ronald Koeman Includes Jurgen Klopp

Could the Liverpool boss be Spain-bound?

Tom Fenton

Tom Fenton

Jurgen Klopp is top of a five-man shortlist to replace Ronald Koeman at Barcelona, according to reports.

Spanish outlet El Nacional claim that Koeman is on the brink of being let go in the wake of the club's humiliating 3-0 loss to Benfica on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

They also cite the Catalan club's managerial wish-list, which includes the aftermentioned Klopp, Ajax coach EriK Ten Hag, Roberto Martinez and former player, Xavi Hernandez.

Klopp would appear to be the most difficult to lure to the Nou Camp, as the German shows no intention of wanting to leave Liverpool any time soon.

His current deal runs until 2024, meaning that Barcelona would first have to settle an extortionate buyout clause if they did wish to break his contract early.

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PA

Complications also remain over Koeman's deal at Barcelona, as sacking the Dutchman won't be simple as some might expect - given the club's financial problems.

ESport3 report that there is a clause in his contract which states that his employers must pay €6 million to him if his contract doesn't go beyond two years.

Given that the 58-year-old only signed that contract in 2020, the club would be legally obliged to pay that full amount if they wish to part ways right now.

A Copa del Rey triumph earlier this year gave supporters temporary hope that Koeman could turn Barcelona's fortunes around.

However, the exit of a certain Lionel Messi, combined with a slow start to the new season, quickly saw fan sentiment turn against the former Everton manager.

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PA

A Champions League mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich earlier this month was then proceeded by stalemates with Granada and Cadiz.

Saturday's 3-0 win at home to Grenada was positive, but that bubble was soon burst after another European horror show.

Following last night's humbling loss in Lisbon, Koeman stated: "I'm not going to argue about the level of my team.

"There's no point in comparing this with Barcelona teams of years gone by. That's as clear as water."

He added: "I can only give you my opinion of my work at the club - I feel backed by my players and their attitude."

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Topics: Xavi, Liverpool, Barcelona, Erik ten Hag, Roberto Martinez, Jurgen Klopp, Champions League, Ronald Koeman, Benfica