Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is one of five names on Barcelona’s shortlist to replace manager Ronald Koeman, according to reports.
The Catalan giants have won just one in their last five games and were beaten 3-0 at Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Koeman, a Barcelona legend after scoring an extra-time winner in the European Cup final of 1992, is under increasing pressure after it has been claimed the club’s hierarchy are to have talks to discuss whether they can afford to sack the Dutchman.
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The club’s financial plight meant they were unable to afford a new deal for Lionel Messi who left to join PSG this summer after two decades at the Nou Camp.
If Koeman is dismissed, El Nacional reports Reds boss is on Barca’s wishlist along with former Everton manager Roberto Martinez, currently in charge of the Belgium national team.
Barcelona icon Xavi Hernandez, who has managed Al Sadd in Qatar since hanging up his boots in 2019, is another option.
Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag is also makes the shortlist, the report claims, while Andrea Pirlo is the other name.
Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly endorsed Ten Hag who has won two league titles in Holland in 2019 and 2021.
Klopp’s current Liverpool deal at Anfield runs until 2024 and it would be a surprise to see him leave Merseyside as he looks to build on his side’s Premier League title triumph of 2020.
