Following their 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich last Friday, Ronald Koeman has been appointed
Barcelona manager after the sacking of Quique Setien. Charlie Griffiths Reports.
The Dutchman has left his role as head coach of the Netherlands national side with two
years left on his contract to join his former Spanish club. The deal is for two years and will
begin immediately at the club.
The ex-Barcelona defender won four consecutive La Liga’s and a Copa Del Rey with the club
and scored the only goal in the European Cup Final against Sampdoria back in 1992 to see
the Spanish giants become European Champions for the very first time. The success he aims to
recreate in his new head coach role.
The Dutchman’s managerial record includes being three-time Dutch League champions,
twice with Ajax and once with PSV Eindhoven, as well as winning the Spanish Cup with
Valencia in 2008. He has also managed Premier League sides Southampton and Everton
despite having minimal success with either club.
Barcelona have just ended their first trophyless season since 2007/08 after losing out to
Real Madrid in the league and favorites Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Quique Setien, who was appointed in January, was sacked by then sporting director Eric
Abidal who has since stepped down from his role leaving his assistant Ramon Planes to take
over.
Koeman, who beat former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to the job, has outlined his
plans for a major rebuild for the Catalans which may include big names such as Luis Suarez
and Gerard Pique leaving the club.
Lionel Messi, who is often considered the best footballer ever, seems to be staying with his
boyhood club after confirmation by Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu who said, “Messi
wants to end his career at Barca”.
