Barcelona’s patience with Ronald Koeman has finally run out, with the board having relieved the Dutchman of his duties as head coach on Wednesday following the 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano, Marca report.
In a statement on their website, the club said: “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 FC Barcelona ha destituido esta noche a Ronald Koeman como técnico del primer equipo
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) October 27, 2021
Koeman starred for the club as a player and helped them to European Cup glory in 1992 – was installed as manager of Barca in the summer of 2020, with his arrival coming at a time of huge upheaval for a club who had been hard hit financially by the pandemic.
He led Barca to the Copa Del Rey title, but the summer saw the shock departure of Lionel Messi and a cutting of their cloth.
The loss of arguably the greatest footballer to play the game could not be offset, with Barca struggling domestically and in Europe.
As well as being ninth in La Liga, they are third in Champions League Group E after a trio of games.
The search for a new manager will start immediately, with club legend Xavi Hernandez, currently with Al Sadd in Qatar, the favourite to take over.
