It has been a difficult period lately for FC Barcelona President Sandro Rosell. Friday’s announcement that Tito Vilanova was going to step down after suffering a relapse with his medical problems was perhaps the most difficult act he had to do during his entire time with the club. Now comes the most challenging and difficult decision for him to make; finding the next FC Barcelona manager.
During the 2011-2012 season, Rosell discovered Pep Guardiola was not going to return to manage FC Barcelona. He handled that situation by appointing Guardiola’s then assistant, Tito Vilanova, to be the next FC Barcelona manager. However, Rosell is now going to see FC Barcelona have their third manager in as many years for the upcoming 2013-2014 season. The media was all over this and their list of candidates shrunk from ten to two but the decision delegated to Rosell will be an enormous task.
Rubén Uría mentioned in his latest column that “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. The point he was making was that FC Barcelona are witnessing history repeat itself. Back in the mid 90’s, Barça’s successful manager Johan Cruyff was let go and his successor, Bobby Robson, lasted only one season before Louis van Gaal replaced him. Fast-forward to this decade where the Blaugrana faithful also witnessed Guardiola leave the club after a successful spell only for Tito to last for a season before someone else was hired to manage the club.
If you believe the media stories, the list of choices to be the next Barça manager is down to two names. They are beloved former Barça player, Luis Enrique, and former Newell's Old Boys manager, Gerardo Martinez. Supposedly, a decision will be made as soon as tomorrow and at least before the end of next week. There are positives and negatives if the club hires either one of these candidates.
Luis Enrique, Lucho, was a popular player, former Barça B manager and even a former teammate of Xavi, Puyol, Valdés and Iniesta. He knows the style and the expectations of the club and perhaps will give the B players more opportunities. However, his one year with Roma did not leave a positive lasting impression. Furthermore, will he be able to cope with the pressure of managing FC Barcelona in all competitions especially with his lack of experience coaching in European competitions. My concern is whether he can transition from being a former teammate and friend to being the man in charge.
Gerardo Martinez, also known as Tata, managed Paraguay to the Copa America Final a few years ago and gave Spain a big scare in their World Cup Quarterfinal encounter. He recently stepped down as Argentinean club Newell’s Old Boys manager after guiding them to Torneo Final title and the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores. Although his style with Paraguay leaned on the defensive side, Newell’s Old Boys were more known for their offensive goal scoring style. Another significant factor is that he was a disciple of the one and only Bielsa. However, my friend Alex Hoy expressed his big concern of whether he can control the egos of players at a big club like FC Barcelona. Thus, will he be able to cope with the pressure and handle the egos too?
The big question will be answered soon. Rosell has a big decision to make, perhaps the biggest he has ever had to make as President, and Vice-President, of FC Barcelona. He has only three years left in his term as president so this decision could leave a lasting impact on his legacy. Hopefully history will not repeat itself where the club will descend back to the pits. Barça’s future is at stake and the entire football world is eagerly awaiting the news of who will be the next FC Barcelona manager. Rosell’s next move is no small task indeed.
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