It has been reported in Spain that Barcelona will approach Jurgen Klopp to replace Tata Martino this summer.
Sport claims that Martino will leave Camp Nou this summer despite signing a two-year deal upon his appointment last year.
The contract is said to contain an escape clause if both parties want to break the terms of the agreement. Martino is reported to be uncomfortable with the spotlight at Barca and Barca are understood to want a new Coach to breathe life into the side.
Among the names put forward as successors are Ernesto Valverde, Luis Enrique, Andre Villas-Boas, Diego Simeone and Klopp, all names that have previously been reported as on the Barca shortlist.
The first three candidates are considered as Coaches who will perpetuate the Barca style while the last two would change the club’s approach.
But the Barca board are said by Sport to most desire a motivator who can get the best out of the players currently in the squad, with Klopp edging ahead of Cholo.
Klopp’s personable demeanour is also said to have put him in pole position ahead of Simeone, with the Barca board concerned by Simeone’s ‘win-at-all-costs mentality.’
The decision will ultimately lie with President Josep Maria Bartomeu, Sport add.
