The era of Ronald Koeman as Barcelona coach is over as Barcelona announced they have sacked the Dutchman as first team head coach following Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
Koeman who starred for the club as a player and helped them to European Cup glory in 1992 was installed as manager of The Catalans 14 months ago, having recorded 39 wins, 12 draws and 16 losses in his 67 games as manager. Koeman won the 2021 Copa del Rey and finished third in La Liga last season, and Barça were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16.
A club statement reads;
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.
The search for a new manager will start immediately, with Xavi an early front-runner, but whoever comes in will be taking the reins of a club in a state of flux.