As per recent reports, Ronald Koeman has been sacked by FC Barcelona. This came after their 1-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.
The club had recently lost 2-1 to rivals Real Madrid in their El Clasico on Sunday. As a result, after the Vallecano defeat, an emergency meeting with Joan Laporta and the club took place.
The meeting saw Koeman’s much-awaited exit. The Dutchman was already in speculations of leaving the club with former player Xavi expecting to take the job.
Positive step taken by Barcelona after sacking Ronald Koeman
Ever since the Dutchman took charge as Barca manager, his methods and results have been questioned by fans. The 2020/21 season Copa del Rey title also didn’t give the fans optimism because of his inconsistencies. Both Barca and Koeman have been disappointments in La Liga and Champions League this season.
After Lionel Messi left the team last year due to financial reasons, the club has a void that Koeman has failed to fill. The Dutchman has in fact, added to the problems by signing Luuk de Jong and former Manchester City player, Sergio Aguero.
Barcelona B coach Sergi Barjuan could take charge of the first team on an interim basis, with games against Alaves, Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League, and Celta Vigo to come before the next international break.
“FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva.” – read a statement.
Koeman has had 67 first-team matches as Barca manager, with a record of 39 wins, 12 draws and 16 defeats. With them sitting 9th in the league, club bosses have now decided to move onto a new manager mid-season. Xavi, who is currently in charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, is considered Koeman’s most likely successor.
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