Barcelona started negotiations with Xavi after firing Koeman

DBasia.news – 14 months after working as Barcelona coach, Ronald Koeman was finally dismissed, following back-to-back El Clasico defeats against Real Madrid (1-2) followed by a 0-1 loss to Rayo Vallecano.

The defeat to Vallecano was the first in 19 years. Radamel Falcao became the breaker of the curse in the match which was held on Thursday (28/10) am, WIB. This time Barca could not tolerate it and fired Koeman.

“FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first-team coach,” read a Barcelona statement.

“The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say his farewell to the squad on Thursday at Ciutat Esportiva.”

“FC Barcelona would like to thank him for his services to the club and wish him all the best in his professional career.”

Koeman, the former Barcelona defender who led the club to the 1992 European Cup (Champions League) win, left after replacing Quique Setien in August 2020. The dismissal was an accumulation of Barca’s troubles this season and Koeman is not a fan-favorite figure.

The 41-year-old coach who is now coaching Al-Sadd, Xavi Hernandez is a strong candidate to replace Koeman. He is a Barca legend who has been waiting for his return to Camp Nou.

According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, European football transfer expert, Barcelona started to have conversations with Xavi to coach Barca, as well as thinking about ways to negotiate as he is still under contract at Al-Sadd.

“Barcelona are deliberating to appoint Xavi Hernandez as their head coach after firing Ronald Koeman on Wednesday night,” reads Romano’s Guardian.

“The former club midfielder is currently coaching Qatari club Al Sadd but wants to return to Camp Nou and negotiations are continuing to free him from his contract.”

“The Barcelona board have been in contact with Xavi for several weeks, with the question of when Koeman will be dismissed.”

“It is uncertain an appointment will be made before Sunday’s game at home against (Deportivo) Alaves, which means Sergi Barjuan, head coach of Barcelona B, could take over temporarily.”

Xavi, a product of the La Masia academy, had made 767 appearances for Barca before retiring. He became coach in May 2019. With Barcelona Xavi won eight LaLiga titles and four Champions League titles.

Xavi came to Barca in 1992 and made his first-team debut six years later under Louis van Gaal. After leaving in 2015 Xavi has a total of 27 trophies, made 184 assists, and scored 85 goals.

In Qatar Xavi has so far coached in 93 matches with a record of 63 wins, 14 draws and 16 defeats as well as seven trophies.