Barcelona Replaces Koeman As Head Coach

Barcelona have removed Ronald Koeman as head coach following Wednesday’s defeat at Rayo Vallecano, while Goal can confirm the role has now been offered to club legend Xavi.

The defeat left Barcelona in ninth place in the Liga table, having won just four of their opening 10 league games.

The Blaugrana have also struggled in the Champions League this term, which led to Koeman being ousted after just over a season in charge. The club announced on Thursday that Sergi Barjuan will serve as interim coach, however Xavi is expected to be appointed in the near future.

“FC Barcelona has dismissed Ronald Koeman tonight as coach of the first team,” a statement released by the club began. “Club president Joan Laporta informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano.

“Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad this Thursday at the Ciudad Deportiva.

“FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.”

Barca could soon have a replacement for Koeman as Goal can confirm that the club’s legendary former midfielder and current Al Sadd head coach Xavi has been given the position.

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Xavi has an exit clause with the Qatar side and it is understood that he wants to move to Barcelona, who are prepared to pay the fee needed to secure the 41-year-old.

Before this, the club have named Barcelona B manager Barjuan as interim boss, and that he will take charge of their next Liga match, against Alaves this weekend.

A club statement on Thursday read: “Barcelona confirms that Sergi Barjuan, current Barca B coach, will temporarily take over the first team.

The interim position on the first team bench will end as soon as the club confirms the hiring of a new coach, after the dismissal of Ronald Koeman.

“The president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, will introduce Barjuan to the first team squad this afternoon before training at the Ciudad Deportiva. Barjuan will attend the media conference tomorrow, Friday, from 1pm, in an appearance with president Laporta.”

Laporta had lost faith in Koeman several weeks ago, Goal understands, but he had remained in charge despite a slow start to the season.
But after Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Rayo, which came after a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico at the weekend, Laporta felt that a change was needed immediately.

Koeman was confirmed as Barcelona manager in August 2020, taking over after Quique Setien had been dismissed in the aftermath of the club’s disastrous 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Koeman saw his side struggle in his first season in charge, but did manage to bring home one piece of silverware in the form of the Copa del Rey.

This offseason saw the club go through a major period of turmoil as its dire financial situation saw Lionel Messi depart as a free agent after Barca were unable to re-sign him.

Overall in 67 games in charge, Koeman had a record of 40 wins, 11 draws and 16 defeats.