Who is favourite to be the next Barcelona head coach? Matinez leads the way
Robin Bairner
- 27 Sept 2021 17:26 BST
- 3 min read
Although Barcelona won 3-0 over Levante at the weekend, the writing appears to be on the wall for head coach Ronald Koeman.
The Dutchman’s tense relationship with president Joan Laporta and unappealing style of football are set to force him out of the door as much as a series of indifferent results at the start of the season.
It appears only a matter of when Koeman will be relieved of his duties, with the Dutchman having earned only five points from nine in a series of matches he was told were ‘must win’.
Who is favourite to take his job though?
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For the moment, Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez is the hot favourite for the job, priced at 15/8 by Paddy Power.
Indeed, reports suggest that talks have already been opened between Barcelona and the former Wigan manager, who is Laporta’s preferred candidate for the post. It is believed that the links will heat up once the forthcoming international break is over, with Martinez chasing his first major title with Belgium in the form of the UEFA Nations League.
Odds on the next Barca head coach
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Roberto Martinez | 15/8 |
| Xavi | 3/1 |
| Oscar Garcia | 11/2 |
| Antonio Conte | 6/1 |
| Alfred Schreuder | 13.2 |
| Erik ten Haag | 9/1 |
| Mikel Arteta | 9/1 |
| Andre Pirlo | 10/1 |
| Thierry Henry | 12/1 |
| Marcelo Bielsa | 12/1 |
| Pep Guardiola | 16/1 |
| Luis Enrique | 19/1 |
| Ernesto Valverde | 19/1 |
| Jurgen Klopp | 35/1 |
| Julian Nagelsmann | 40/1 |
| Arsene Wenger | 50/1 |
| Thomas Tuchel | 50/1 |
| Jose Mourinho | 100/1 |
Xavi is the candidate who is second favourite, with a price of 3/1. However, there are numerous significant factors counting against the Barca legend returning to Camp Nou for now.
Third favourite is Reims head coach Oscar Garcia, who has a strong history with Barcelona and is priced at 11/2.
Some of the more notable names otherwise include Antonio Conte at 6/1, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta at 9/1, Andrea Pirlo at 10/1 and Thierry Henry at 12/1.
While there had been a strong case made for Luis Enrique to return, he is out at 19/1 – the same as Ernesto Valverde.
Finally, Jose Mourinho is at 100/1 to make a startling return to the club.
Martinez, then, is clearly ahead in the race to replace Koeman as Barcelona boss.
