Pirlo is still Laporta's number one choice

Andrea Pirlo could become the next Barcelona coach. Joan Laporta is looking for a replacement for Ronald Koeman who seems to be one the way out. The Italian is one of the most viable options. 

Pirlo became an option just over a week ago. Now, with Barca's defeat to Benfica, he seems closer than ever to occupying the bench at the Camp Nou, 'Catalunya Radio' reports. 

The cited media outlet explained that Laporta wants to make Pirlo the new Rijkaard, the man who vastly improved Barca in 2003 and his reign was part of one of the club's golden eras. 

However, Pirlo does not have much experience. The Italian was at Juventus for one season and he could not win either the Champions League or Serie A. 

In the meantime, Laporta has got another two coaches on the radar if he cannot get get Pirlo. They are Xavi Hernandez and Roberto Martinez, although neither is certain to come. 

'Catalunya Radio' explained that the relationship between Laporta and Xavi is not the best at the moment while there are doubts over the Belgium boss' style of play. 

What does seem clear is that Ronald Koeman could be in his final few days as Barcelona coach. Only time will tell as to whether he will be in the stands serving a stadium ban at Atletico or whether there will be a new coach for Saturday.