5 Potential replacements in the event that Barcelona sack Valverde

#2 Marcelino de Toral (Valencia CF)

Marcelino's brand of football could re-invigorate Barcelona

Over the last two decades, there has been a steady stream of player movement to Valencia from FC Barcelona. David Villa, Gaizka Mendieta, Gerald Lopez, Paco Alcacer, Andre Gomes etc.

Marcelino might be the first coach to make the move. The tactician had a rather undistinguished playing career. However, he has proven his mettle in La Liga with Villarreal and now Valencia.

He joined the 2004 La Liga champions at a time when Los Che was in utter shambles. Under him, the club has been reborn and risen from a crisis situation. This is a club that has seen 15 managers (including Valverde himself) employed since the last La Liga triumph under Rafa Benitez in 2004.

He has changed the team into a rugged, cohesive unit that plays brilliant attacking football while remaining solid at the back.

His sterling work was also evident at Villarreal when he took over a team that had been relegated and forced to sell its best assets. Marcelino led the team back to La Liga and three consecutive top-six finishes including a Europa League semi-final.

At each of his most recent jobs, he has clearly shown his ability to work wonders even with restrictions and his ability to blood academy players is one that fits in with Barca’s La Masia ethos.

While his attacking philosophy is apparent wherever he has gone, he is very meticulous with his team’s defensive work. A constant tinkerer, Marcelino always seeks to improve upon what he has and find solutions from within. This would be perfect for a Barcelona side that has looked shaky when pressed this season.