After a 1-0 LaLiga loss to Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona has fired coach Ronald Koeman. According to a club release, “FC Barcelona has dismissed Ronald Koeman of his duties as first-team coach.” “After the defeat against Rayo Vallecano, the club’s president, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision,” the LaLiga club said in a statement. “On Thursday, Ronald Koeman will bid his squad farewell at the Ciutat Esportiva.
“FC Barcelona wishes him the best of luck in his professional career and thanks to him for his contributions to the club.” After ten games, Barcelona is in eighth place in LaLiga, with 15 points, six points behind leaders Real Madrid, whom they defeated 2-1 at the Camp Nou. They are third in their Champions League group with three points from three games after losing 3-0 to Bayern Munich and Benfica in their first two games. Barcelona is a five-time European champion, and this was the first time the team has gone two games without scoring in Europe.
Former president Josep Maria Bartomeu lured Koeman back to Barca in August 2020, after he spent six years as a player with the club. The new head, Joan Laporta, on the other hand, made it obvious that the Dutchman was not one of his picks. The pair had a tense relationship, with Koeman issuing a statement last month requesting that he be allowed more time to rebuild after losing Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann in the transfer window.
However, the 58-year-old’s request was not granted, and the club will now look for a replacement. According to local media reports, former player Xavi Hernandez, who is now the coach of Al Sadd in Qatar, and Belgium coach Roberto Martinez are the frontrunners for the job.
Barcelona Sacks Coach Ronald Koeman After Disastrous Start To Season. (2021, October 28). Barcelona sacks coach Ronald Koeman after a disastrous start to La Liga season – ABC News.
