Premier League Rumors: Barcelona Hits Snag With Target Replacement For Setien

The future of Quique Setien with Barcelona is on thin ice, with reports claiming that tensions are rising from within. But it looks like the club may not be able to replace him that easily.

Just a couple of days ago, word got around that the 61-year-old manager may be fired unless a radical improvement is seen in Barcelona. And the barometer for that is leading Barca to a Champions League or La Liga title this season, according to a report from Goal.com.

With that in mind, one name has surfaced as a possible replacement for Setien. Xavier "Xavi" Hernandez Creus has been linked to a possible move to Camp Nou, but that may not happen in the short term.

It may take at least one more season to see that happen since the former midfielder has reportedly agreed to a new contract with Qatari club Al-Sadd and will stay until the 2020-21 season, according to Sky Sports.

This would not be the first time for the Barcelona legend. He was in play when Barca was looking for someone to take over from former manager Ernesto Valverde, who was sacked in January. Xavi originally rejected the offer before claiming he was ready for the challenge two months later. Now, it appears Blaugrana will have to wait for at least one more season to potentially get him to take over.

With Xavi unavailable, another name who could be reconsidered is Ronald Koeman. It can be recalled that Setien was not the first option. Xavi and Koeman were the first names considered so it could all spiral back to the retired Dutch football player. He has admitted that it is his dream to coach Barca, though his focus right now is in the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Barcelona players like Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique have reportedly turned against Setien, most confused by his tactics and the comments he has been giving to the press. Aside from that, the Spaniard has allegedly lost the vote of confidence of the board, which further compounds his future.

If Setien does get sacked, Koeman could be the plausible choice. He does have a contract that allows him to leave the national team but only after Euro 2020.

"In my contract, there is a clause that will let me leave the national team job after the Euros but now's not the time to be thinking about that. Everyone knows it's my dream to coach Barca," Koeman said to Catalunya Radio (via Goal.com).