Valverde and Sampaoli the best options in Barça's manager search

Luis Enrique will end the season with Barcelona but it's beginning to become an open secret that he has no interest in renewing his contract beyond its June expiry. History is repeating itself with when Pep Guardiola decided to take one year off, which saw Tito Vilanova take over the first team job at Camp Nou. This time, the replacement is not already at the club. Unzue will not enter in the raffle and names are circulating as to who could take on the role. It's a sought-after job but at the same time it can be an electric chair which demands as much as it gives. 

One day Xavi Hernandez is expected to be a Barça manager. But it's not his moment yet. He has to build up experience. It would not a good idea for him to have to coach so many ex-teammates. It would represent a huge conflict of interest. For that reason, Barca have to look outside. A coach is wanted who knows Spanish football, so ideas like the one which saw Tata Martino appointed can be discarded. Two names are already in 'pole position.' Jorge Sampaoli and Ernesto Valverde. Two very different characters. The first has a release clause of 1.5 million euros at Sevilla and the the second is out of contract at Athletic Club in June and has not renewed. More names will be linked, but I would bet on one of those two.