Ernesto Valverde is once again finding himself under pressure as Barcelona head coach, following a 3-1 defeat to Levante which has amplified concerns over the Blaugrana's start to the season, and the latest name to be linked with taking charge is River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo.
An increasing number of Barcelona fans have grown frustrated with Valverde, particularly after their displays in Europe, which have seen them lose a three-goal advantage in the knockout rounds of the Champions League in consecutive years against Roma and Liverpool.
This season, Barcelona were drawn into the so-called Group of Death with Inter, Borussia Dortmund and Slavia Prague, yet they have managed to emerge with seven points from their opening three games, despite playing poorly in all three matches.
It is their underwhelming displays in the Champions League, as well as the fact they have already lost three games in LaLiga Santander, that has seen Valverde come in for a fresh wave of criticism.
Thus, 'El Chiringuito de Jugones' state that Barcelona may go after Gallardo if they decide to replace Valverde. Gallardo has won 10 trophies in five years at River, including seven international cups and three domestic competitions.
Among the international triumphs are two Copa Libertadores', South America's version of the Champions League, which they achieved after knocking out arch-rivals Boca Juniors on both occasions en route to securing continental silverware.
Gallardo has not only won trophies at River; he has marked a before and after in the club's history, achieving accomplishments through good football and managing to reinvent himself year on year after losing some of his key players.
In recent months, the 43-year-old was nominated by FIFA for the award of best head coach in the world, while he has been praised by the likes of Pep Guardiola.

SOURCE: Marca


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