Report: Barcelona exploring options to replace Koeman as manager

Ronald Koeman’s days as Barcelona manager could be numbered.

Uncertainty over Koeman’s future intensified after the club’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Granada on Monday, prompting president Joan Laporta to call an emergency meeting with Barcelona’s board of directors to discuss the possibility of replacing Koeman, according to Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens of ESPN.

The club is exploring its options, but a lack of suitable candidates has prevented Laporta from ending 58-year-old’s tenure after 13 months in charge, Marsden and Llorens add.

Barcelona is reluctant to replace Koeman, who was hired in August 2020, with a temporary caretaker manager, preferring to appoint a permanent replacement.

Koeman is expected to remain in charge Thursday when Barcelona takes on Cadiz.

Laporta considered relieving Koeman of his duties last summer and considered candidates such as Germany boss Hansi Flick and Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.

He was reportedly not satisfied with the coaching alternatives and decide to retain Koeman following a “period of reflection.”

Barcelona sit seventh in La Liga with eight points from four games.