Barcelona sack Ronald Koeman after Rayo defeat, Xavi eyed as the successor

Barcelona appointed Ronald Koeman as new manager

The Dutch manager has been relieved of his duties at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona have confirmed the sacking of manager Ronald Koeman, who had been disappointing this season.

The decision comes in the wake of the shock defeat to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga‘s away game.

Koeman took over at Barca last year and led them to Copa del Rey title in his debut season.

However, he proved out to be a failure this season, with the Catalan giants experiencing the worst start in their history.

Last night’s defeat leaves the Blaugrana ninth in the league table while their Champions League campaign has been miserable so far.

Barca suffered back to back defeats against Bayern Munich and Benfica before scraping a win against Dynamo Kyiv. The away game against Kyiv next week will be a make or break for the Catalans.

Barca confirmed in a statement that president Joan Laporta had informed Koeman of the decision to sack him.

The club statement added (h/t Sky Sports): “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.”

Xavi eyed as a potential successor

Famed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Barca have identified Xavi as the potential successor to Koeman.

Romano also adds that Blaugrana have been in talks with Xavi regarding a possible takeover.

Xavi, who currently manages Al Sadd, has been heavily linked with a return to the Nou Camp in recent weeks. He also spoke about his dream to manage his childhood club Barca.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez is another name on Barca’s wishlist but the final decision rests with president Laporta.

Other reports are stating that Barca could hire a makeshift manager until the international break, with B team manager Sergi Barjuan being an option.