Barcelona: Ten Hag denies interest as Henry enters frame
Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag has denied any interest in the Barcelona job as both Roberto Martínez and Thierry Henry emerge as potential replacements for Koeman.
Following defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a draw at home to Granada in LaLiga, Ronald Koeman's position at Barcelona has come under increased scrutiny and the names of potential replacements are starting to emerge. Two of these, Roberto Martínez and Erik Ten Hag, have been questioned directly about their interest in taking over the reins at Camp Nou.
Belgium boss Martínez has been the subject of several headlines but the Spaniard, currently in charge of the Belgium national side, was quick to pour cold water on any talk. "There is nothing in it, nothing to say on my part," the former Everton boss told Eurosport. "When you lose three games, the rumours are that you're going to get fired. When everything is going well and you're getting good results, the rumours are still there but there is nothing to say at this time."
Ten Hag: " I am focused on Ajax"
Another name that has been linked with a potential move to Barcelona is that of Ajax boss Ten Hag, but the Dutchman was even more reluctant to be pulled into any speculation after being asked for comment by ESPN. "What has that got to do with me? I am focused on Ajax. These rumours are entertaining for you, but not for me," Koeman's compatriot said.
Henry emerges as a candidate
Xavi Hernández has long been assumed to be the heir apparent to the Barcelona hotseat but another former player, Thierry Henry, has emerged as a potential target for Camp Nou president Joan Laporta. The Les Bleus legend was previously in charge at Monaco and Montreal Impact and is now in his second stint as Belgium assistant coach under Martínez. According to Mundo Deportivo, he was considered for the role when Barça were looking for a replacement for Ernesto Valverde but at that time he was considered too inexperienced. Given Belgium's rise under the stewardship of the Martínez-Henry coaching team, Barça are now in a position to consider the apprentice if they cannot persuade Martínez to return to club management.