One of the most recurring phrases at Barcelona over the last few months, has been ‘the German route’. At one point or another, around 2020 if depending on who you read, Barcelona President Joan Laporta decided, with the help of Ralf Rangnick, that the German school of football coaching was the next step in modernising Barcelona’s famous technical approach. But at one point they were close to returning to the Dutch route.
It is fair to suspect, given Hansi Flick was given the job, it was around the same time as Bayern Munich beat Barcelona 8-2. Yet for most of Barcelona’s history for the past five decades or so, it has been the Dutch footballing school that has attracted admiring eyes from the Catalan coast. At one stage it looked like it might happen again.
BUY MANCHESTER UNITED V LIVERPOOL TICKETS HERE
Shortly before Flick’s Bayern demolished the Blaugrana, it was Erik ten Hag’s Ajax that were delighting Europe, and eliminating Real Madrid 4-2. It didn’t hurt that he had worked with Pep Guardiola at Bayern himself, and it wasn’t long before he was being rumoured as a potential option to replace Quique Setien at Barcelona. As it was, Frenkie de Jong went to Barcelona, and ten Hag to Manchester United, and are yet to be reunited, despite the efforts of some.
Meanwhile while Xavi Hernandez was struggling with Barcelona in January, there were few obvious candidates for the job. Outside of Hansi Flick, Barca Atletic coach at the time Rafael Marquez was suggested. Girona’s Michel Sanchez was commended for his good work, without being seriously considered, and that was the case for Arne Slot. The now Liverpool coach was on their radar for his success with Feyenoord and then promising European runs.
Where do you get tickets to see Manchester United v Liverpool?
The two will face off on Sunday at 17:30 CEST, in what is set to be an intriguing clash at Old Trafford. Ten Hag feels like he has a season to save his job, and turn the direction of the club around in the process, but it has not been the most auspicious of starts to the season either. The future is unpredictable, but it would be a surprise if he was on their list of possible future coaches at the moment.
Their derby against Liverpool could send their season in one direction or the other, and up against him is compatriot Slot, who has his Liverpool playing neat, attacking football that has had Anfield purring. While Slot has only just arrived on Merseyside, and will not be leaving for some time in all likelihood, it’s the sort of football that could have Laporta taking note – Jurgen Klopp was his number one choice this summer, but he ruled himself out immediately. If Liverpool can beat their rivals on their own turf, Slot’s tenure will be rocket-powered.
For fans still wanting to go, only Manchester United members can access tickets for the game on the club website. Other sites offering tickets like StubHub or Football Host are starting their prices at €355 and €330 respectively.
On the other hand, LiveFootballTickets.com are still selling tickets for as little as €107, which looks like the most economic option at the moment. The match at Old Trafford will no doubt be a sell-out, so those who don’t want to go will likely have to move swiftly. LiveFootballTickets.com do at least have their own customer service line to help with enquiries so close to the game.