When the La Liga took over on June 11, 2020, FC Barcelona were two points ahead of Real Madrid. A month later, the Blaugranas suffered a new defeat on Thursday, and especially saw the sworn enemy, clinching a 34th title of champion of Spain. It was too much for Lionel Messi. The "Pulga", very angry, called for a deep change after the setback against Osasuna (2-1).
A change that requires a new coach? It is possible as Quique Setién, appointed in January to succeed Ernesto Valverde, had trouble imposing his choices in the locker room. The former Betis Seville technician is no longer even sure that he will still be stationed for the Champions League eighth-final second leg against Napoli on August 8. In this difficult context, the leaders of Barça are still at the reflection stage. The hypothesis of a status quo until the end of C1 seems the most plausible. But any other outcome than a final success in this event would probably cost his place to Setién.
Few names of potential successors have appeared. Garcia Pimienta, the reserve coach, is an option. There are others. One leads in particular to Laurent Blanc. The recent rapprochement of the 1998 world champion with Jorge Mendes already seems to be working. The influential agent of Cristiano Ronaldo has entered Barcelona. He would have campaigned, according to information from the daily Mundo Deportivo, in favor of the French technician, recently mentioned in Valence.
Former Barça player in 1996-1997, Laurent Blanc has never made a secret of his attraction for La Liga. Apostle of a game based on possession of the ball, he is judged by different observers "Barça compatible". “This project, if confirmed, is really likely to seduce him. Indirect approaches have already taken place, “slips a relative of Cévenol. The last time Blanc sat on a bench was on May 21, 2016 at Stade de France against OM in the final of the Coupe de France (4-2), the last of his eleven national trophies with PSG . Franck Passi, who left Niort in June 2020, would accompany him on this adventure.
The obstacle of a short contract?
Manchester United, Seville, Chelsea, Inter Milan or more recently Lyon and Fenerbahçe… For several years, the name of the former coach of the Blues (2010 to 2012) has been mentioned throughout Europe. But invariably, the different clubs mentioned have chosen another technician.
In Barcelona, the prospect of the presidential elections in 2021 complicates matters, however. The Catalan club would not necessarily be inclined to offer a multi-season contract to the replacement for Setién. Especially if the Victor Font-Xavi duo wins. If elected, Font has always said he will name the former midfielder as coach of the blaugrana club. Nothing says, therefore, that Blanc would accept a short-term contract.
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If Blanc's priority is to find a club, that of managing a foreign selection, for example, would not displease him, whereas he had declined that of Morocco a few months ago.