Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly confirmed that his glittering career with the Spanish giants will come to an end in the summer.
The 41-year-old is due to leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season following a disappointing exit from the Champions League to Chelsea in mid-week as well as a damaging El Clasico loss against Real Madrid last weekend.
With Guardiola leaving behind a record of three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies in four years, Sports Mole takes a look at the possible candidates to replace the most successful manager in Barcelona's history.
Marcelo Bielsa
Atletico Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa is currently the frontrunner to take the helm at the successful Spanish outfit next season. The 56-year-old has implemented an impressive style of play within his team, which some have suggested mirrors that of the Barcelona team.
The Catalan giants may opt for the Argentinian, as the coach is known for focusing on youth development and his style would not overhaul Barca's current system.
Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique, who currently coaches AS Roma, has been touted as a possible replacement to Guardiola. The former Barca forward has experience working within the club's set-up following a stint managing the B team.
While the 41-year-old does not boast much success in Italy, the Spaniard has adopted a similar philosophy of Barcelona's soon-to-be former boss.
Andre Villas-Boas
Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, who is currently out of work after being sacked from Stamford Bridge after just nine months in charge, has been named as a potential candidate for the vacancy.
The Portuguese coach is fully aware of the Barcelona style of passing, which the 34-year-old tried to implement during his time with the former Premier League champions.
It is understood that there has been no contact with Villas-Boas but he remains an outside contender for the position.
Ronald Koeman
Feyenoord manager Ronald Koeman could be considered by one of the highest regarded clubs in world football for the managerial spot due to the former midfielder's experience in developing players.
The 49-year-old can take credit for the emergence of Dutch stars including Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and current Barcelona player Ibrahim Afellay. However, the coach's lack of consistent success at management level could hamper his chances of taking over at the Nou Camp.
Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger is the only Premier League boss being linked with the upcoming vacancy. While the Arsenal coach has reiterated his desire to stay on with the Gunners, there is a possibility that the Frenchman may consider a switch after 16 years at the helm of the Emirates.
Wenger has enforced a pass-and-move style of play at the North London club, which is favoured by the Catalan giants, but the 62-year-old has denied any intentions of moving to the Nou Camp.
