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Barcelona hold 'hour-long emergency meeting' with Ronald Koeman replacement named
Barcelona are considering all options with Ronald Koeman coming under increasing pressure.
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The Barcelona board reportedly held a second emergency meeting following Monday night's 1-1 draw with Granada to discuss Ronald Koeman's future at the club. The Dutchman has faced increased questions on whether he's the right man for the job at Barcelona following last week's disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Barcelona failed to register a single shot on target in the match with reports in Spain stating club president Joan Laporta held a meeting with board members to discuss how best to move forward.
The main topic of discussion was said to be Koeman's position as Barcelona manager, but no decision was made at the time whether to actively look for a replacement.
But there is seemingly now more pressure from those on the board at Barcelona to find a new manager for the club.
Barcelona were once again not at their best against Granada, with the visitors taking an early 1-0 lead.
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Ronald Araujo saved Barcelona's blushes late on with an equaliser in the final few minutes of the match.
However, a second board meeting is said to have taken place in the immediate aftermath of the game at the Nou Camp.
According to ESPN, Laporta held an 'hour-long emergency meeting' to further discuss Koeman's future with the board of directors.
It is claimed that no 'rash' decision will be made though, in part due to a lack of options currently being available.
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Laporta is said to be after someone who is able to step in and take on the long-term project at Barcelona.
And sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff has reportedly thrown his support behind Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.
Barcelona icon Xavi is also touted as an option the club are looking at with another alternative not named but someone who 'has a strong history with the club'.
Koeman still has time to win over his doubters, but much will depend on results this week.
Barcelona face Cadiz before returning home to host Levante with both teams winning just once in the league this season between them.
The Catalan outfit will be expected to pick up six points from both matches to help propel them back up the table.
A win on Thursday against Cadiz would see them move up to second in the table, just two points behind early leaders Real Madrid.
But there will also be added pressure next week when Barcelona look to make up ground in their Champions League group when they take on Benfica away from home.