LaLiga: Barcelona sack Ronald Koeman, Xavi set to take over – Ronald Koeman’s tenure as Barcelona boss has come to an end after the LaLiga giants announced his departure in a club statement on Thursday. The club have struggled to make an impact this season and after three defeats in four games, including the one against Rayo Vallecano, president Joan Laporta pulled the plug on the association. Former club captain Xavi is expected to become the new head coach in the next few days.
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LaLiga: Barcelona sack Ronald Koeman after three losses in four games, Xavi set to takeover
Ronald Koeman was sacked just after Barcelona succumbed to a disappointing loss away from home to Rayo Vallecano. The result left them at ninth in the LaLiga standings, having won just four of their opening 10 league games. Barcelona have also struggled in the Champions League, eventually leading to Koeman’s ouster with a little over 12 months in charge at Camp Nou. The Dutchman was in a precarious position heading into the October international break, and now defeats to Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano triggered Laporta to relive the Dutchman of his duties.
FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2021
“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,” read the club statement.
LaLiga: Barcelona sack Ronald Koeman after three losses in four games, Xavi set to takeover
Barcelona were sounding out for replacements as early as September, with the likes of Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez linked to the role. However, it is believed that Joan Laporta has settled on Xavi as his choice, with the former captain having an exit clause with his current side current team Al Sadd. Xavi reportedly wants to move to Barcelona, who are prepared to pay the fee needed to secure the 41-year-old.
There’s no announcement in place yet for Koeman replacement at Barcelona. It’s gonna take few hours while negotiations are ongoing for Xavi to leave Al Sadd & become the new manager. 🔴🇪🇸 #FCB #Xavi
Other candidates for Barça job also know Xavi is the favourite, as things stand. pic.twitter.com/1LaHsGkNDc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2021
It will be a challenge for Xavi to restore Barcelona to the heights of his playing days, with the club beset with problems on and off the pitch. Long-term injuries to Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and Sergio Aguero, among others, have hampered Koeman’s team selections, while the departure of the likes of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann has seriously depleted the squad.
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