Barcelona Have Already Spoken To Ronald Koeman's Replacement, Fans Are Very Disappointed

Barcelona are ready to sack Ronald Koeman and have already spoken to Roberto Martinez about replacing him, according to reports.

The Catalan giants have reportedly decided to part ways with Koeman after a dismal start to the season.

Goal claim president Joan Laporta admires Martinez, who is current manager of the Belgium national side, and has had him in mind for months.

The 48-year-old intended to stay with Belgium until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but intends to take the job if offered.

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A compensation package of €1.5 million would be required.

Club executives have informed Martinez of their interest and Koeman is believed to be on thinner ice than ever.

Draws with Granada and Cadiz have left Barcelona in seventh place and already seven points off the top.

In between those two clashes, Koeman held a bizarre press conference in which he didn't answer a single question.

He instead read out a pre-prepared statement defending his position.

"The club is with me as a coach, in a situation of rebuilding. The financial situation of the club is connected to the sporting activities, and vice versa," the former Everton manager explained.

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"This means that we as a team have to rebuild the football team without being able to make any big financial investments.

"This needs time. The young talent today could end up being the next big world stars, in just a few years.

"In order to reconstruct this team, it means young players get opportunities, like Xavi and Iniesta had in their day. But, we must ask for patience.

"What's more, being in a top ranking in La Liga is a great success, this is a great football school for these talents.

"But in the Champions League we cannot expect miracles. The defeat against Bayern Munich must be taken from that perspective.

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"The process that we're in right now, the staff with the team, deserves unconditional support in words and in action.

"We want to count on your team in this difficult time, the staff and players are very happy with the great support from the fans, as we had in the match against Granada."

Do you think hiring Roberto Martinez would be the right move for Barcelona?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football, Barcelona, Ronald Koeman, Spain, La Liga

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_