This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...

Barcelona's Ernesto Valverde seems to be walking on thin ice at the moment. The rumours of his potential replacements have not yet died down and former Blaugrana star, Rafael Marquez, has tipped Marcelo Gallardo to be a good pick for the Catalans when talking to TNT Sports.

What did he say?

The now 40-year-old retired centre-back has played 242 games donning the Blaugrana jersey and has even managed to score 13 goals and assist further 12 in the process as well.

By all means, he is one of Barcelona's ex-stars and knows a thing or two about the club.

And it seems that he believes Gallardo, the current River Plate coach, has what it takes to take charge of a giant that is the Catalan team.

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When talking to TNT Sports in an exclusive interview, he lauded Gallardo as the man with enough experience and knowledge to lead Barcelona in the future.

Here's what he said in full, as quoted by Tribuna who provided a translation:

"I think he has earned their [Barca's] trust with what he has achieved with River. I know that it's not easy to come to Barcelona but Marcelo has all the experience and knowledge necessary to get a chance at such a big club."

Time is up?

Even though it's difficult to see Barcelona sacking Valverde mid-season, it seems that the Gallardo rumours are certainly getting some traction.

Marquez has basically given his blessing to the River Plate gaffer and his appointment could even seem realistic at this point.

But even though the former Blaugrana centre-back believes Gallardo has the experience and the knowledge necessary to handle the Catalan giants, his lack of any European experience might still stand in his way.

One way or the other, the clock seems to be getting nearer to midnight for Valverde and if results don't suddenly start going his way, we could indeed be seeing a new Blaugrana coach sooner rather than later.

Of course, despite all those rumours circulating the media, Barcelona are still league leaders in La Liga and group leaders in the Champions League.

With that being said, the imminent sacking of Valverde does look unlikely at this very moment.