Barcelona: Barcelona parted with head coach Ronald Koeman following a disastrous loss at the Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, October 28. The club announced the news via their social media handles.
FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2021
Koeman had been in the hot seat for quite some time now following a string of disappointing performances, which are believed to be the results of his decisions. However, the additional injuries of Philipe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembelé, and others added to his woes. He finally leaves Barcelona in the ninth position in the league with the team in shambles and a very difficult position for the upcoming manager to take on.
Koeman joined Barcelona after Seiten was sacked following the 8-2 Champions League defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich. In his first season, the Dutch legend led the club to a Copa Del Rey victory, finishing third in the league, after crashing out from Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. Then things started going downhill ever since, following the Lionel Messi exit. President Joan Laporta had warned the manager long back but showed immense faith in the legend until it was getting too hard. However, the coach had some good points as well, he insisted on promoting La Masia products, players like Ansu Fati, Gavi, Oscar Mingueza all grew through the ranks because of Koeman and have been wonderful individuals.
Anyway, Barcelona are yet to decide on Koeman’s successor but Club legend Xavi Hernandez has evolved to be a potential candidate according to Fabrizio Romano however assistant coach Sergi Barjuan might be an interim coach.
Barcelona board started contacts with Xavi weeks ago. Talks will continue today to check the situation with Al-Sadd and resolve issues. Announcement not imminent yet – process just started 🔵🔴 #FCB
Xavi wants Barça job.
Sergi Barjuan option if FCB will need an ‘interim’ coach. pic.twitter.com/AMT0O4uc2g
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2021
