Ronald Koeman has been sacked as manager of Barcelona after they suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Rayo Vallecano. The Dutchman was appointed head coach in the summer of 2020, replacing Quique Setien who had been sacked after six months in charge.
Barca has won only two of their last seven league games under Koeman. Before the defeat against Rayo Vallecano, Catalans were beaten 2-1 at home to arch-rivals Real Madrid. The club currently is at the ninth position in the La Liga standings with 15 points from 10 games, winning just four games in this season.
In a statement on their website, the club said: “FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first-team coach. The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva. FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the club. And wishes him all the best in his professional career.”
Sergi Barjuan to charge of the team on an interim basis
Koeman, who is considered a club legend, helped them to European Cup glory in 1992, scoring the winning goal in the final against Sampdoria. He was appointed coach of Barcelona in August 2020. Under his coaching stint, the club enjoyed some success in the first season, winning the Copa del Rey in April 2021. But since then there is a continuous downfall. Barca finished third in La Liga and crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in the last 16.
Speaking after the defeat, Koeman commented, “Other teams could have more balanced squads. But we have shown that we can compete with them. Bad luck and injuries are excuses. We have shown we can play at a good level but it is not enough.”
Xavi, who is currently in charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, is considered Koeman’s most likely successor. Given his legendary career with Barcelona, Xavi is likely to replace Koeman. According to the reports, Barcelona B coach Sergi Barjuan could take charge of the first team on an interim basis.