After a dramatic Champions League collapse for the second year on the trot, the postmortem for Barcelona starts now. Their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last night was an embarrassment for the club, and it seems it could bring about some major changes at the Camp Nou.
New players will arrive this summer, with a deal for Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong already agreed. His teammate Matthijs de Ligt could also join him at the club, while rumours of renewed interest in Antoine Griezmann have also started to swirl.
Playing personnel is not the only area that could see big changes this summer. Marca are reporting that manager Ernesto Valverde could well lose his job, with his continental failings testing the patience of those at the club.
Despite strolling to a second consecutive La Liga title, and signing a new contract only a few months ago, the club have already started to look at potential replacements.
Fox Sports are reporting that Barcelona have drawn up a three-man shortlist, with some interesting names making the cut.
Ajax coach Erik ten Hag is believed to be their main target, with the Dutch manager working miracles in Amsterdam this season. He has led a young Ajax team to the brink of the Champions League final, playing some incredibly exciting football along the way.
He would no doubt be an exciting appointment, although such a move would break from club tradition. Barcelona usually only appoint a manager that has some sort of prior connection to the club, a criteria ten Hag does not meet.
Bringing on board such a young and dynamic coach may be too good of an opportunity to pass up, however. He also knows how to get the best out of de Jong, who is set to be a key player for Barcelona next term.
Former France and PSG manager, and Barcelona defender, Laurent Blanc is also under consideration. Blanc has not managed a team since PSG in 2016, but he is still held in high regard in many circles.
Real Betis manager Quique Setién is a surprising inclusion, considering the relatively poor campaign his side have just went through. They currently sit in 13th place in the La Liga table, although they did finish in the Europa League places last season.
It will certainly be an interesting summer ahead at the Camp Nou.
