End-of-the-Road: Barca Sacks Koeman after Vallecano’s Defeat -By Shereefdeen Sawe

The Catalan based club, FC Barcelona have sacked Ronald Koeman as head coach following a shell-shock 1-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, News Digest can confirm. 

His dismissal was contained in a statement released by the club on Wednesday, coming shortly after the defeat. Having also lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in El Clasico at the weekend, the Blaugranas are now wallowing in the ninth position on the 2021/2022 La Liga Standings.  

Ronald Koeman had been having a really rickety start of the season which has left the chances of FC Barcelona qualifying for the Champions League next round unpredictable. 

The Club’s Statement

The Spanish giants commended the Dutch tactician for his service to the club and wished him the best in his future endeavours. 

The 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. 

El Clasico, Rayo Defeats: The Fuel of the Decision

The president of the club Joan Laporta had little faith left in the Dutchman, but it seemed the trust started declining after Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat in El Clasico against Real Madrid in the almighty Camp Nou at the weekend. The Los Blancos had almost secured themselves a comfortable 2-0 victory, but thanks to Sergio Aguero who pulled down a goal. 

As if he wanted to precipitate the dismissal, Ronald Koeman yet again slumped to a 1-0 defeat against semi-squad Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, and that has finally terminated his contract with the Spanish side FC Barcelona. 

Koeman at Barcelona 

The Netherland international was appointed as head coach by the resigned president Joseph Bartomeu in August 2020, after Barcelona was subjected to a humiliating 8-0 triumph against Bayern Munich in the champions league. There were speculations over if the current president, Joan Laporta would allow him to continue, but had to do so for at least the financial situation facing the club. 

Last season, Koeman had a relatively good season; he won the Copa Del Rey and finished the third position in the 2020/2021 La Liga campaign. Though knocked out in the UCL last 16 by PSG. 

Koeman has only managed to secure just four wins in ten La Liga matches so far this season. He also lost two out of their three UCL group stage matches. 

Barca have never won four consecutive El Classico in 85 years, but the history has been re-written under Ronald Koeman. Plus they have never been knocked out from the UCL last 16 since 2005. 

Barca Have Not Effective Players — Ronald Koeman

After the Rayo defeat on Wednesday,  Ronald Koeman said the Catalan giants have lost potentials who are capable of bringing fortune to the club during a match. 
His words are really not too far from being true considering the weight of the team’s current squad.  But this could not be an absolute defence to Koeman’s failure as many pundits has held that a more tactical manager could deliver more than Koeman’s ability. 

Xavi Harnendez’s Rumour 

The former Barcelona’s midfielder and head coach of the Qatari side Al Sadd has appeared to be a suitable replacement for Ronald Koeman. Xavi Harnendez has been linked to his former team before the start of this season. 

The 41-year-old has been mustering moments of magic in Asian side Al Sadd, and could likely take over Barcelona by November, multiple sources have confirmed.  

Sergi Barjuan is the interim coach of Barcelona pending the arrival of Xavi Harnendez.