Xavi Most Likely To Be Koeman's Replacement At Barcelona, His Game Is Attractive And Liked By Fans

JAKARTA - Ronald Koeman has been sacked as Barcelona coach after 14 tough months, while legendary midfielder Xavi Hernandez is the strongest candidate to take his place.

The 58-year-old Dutchman was sacked after Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano, which left the Spanish giants ninth in La Liga.

Barca has won just two of their last seven league games under Koeman, including the loss to Real Madrid in Sunday's El Clasico at Camp Nou.

A poor start to the season has increased the chances of the team failing to qualify for next season's Champions League, which will have a major impact on the club's already dire financial situation.

Xavi, currently in charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, is considered Koeman's most likely successor and would be a very popular choice among Barca fans, given his illustrious playing career there.

In addition, there is also an assumption that the 41-year-old coach will instill an attractive style like that played by Barcelona under Pep Guardiola's tutelage.

River Plate coaches Marcelo Gallardo and Ajax's Erik ten Hag have also been linked with the job, but maybe reluctant to leave their jobs mid-season.

Barcelona B coach Sergi Barjuan could take charge of the first team in the interim with matches against Alaves, Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League, and Celta Vigo to come before the next international break.

A club statement released after midnight Wednesday in Spain confirmed the sacking of Koeman, who previously also coached Everton and Holland, and is under intense pressure.

"The president of the club, Joan Laporta informed him of the decision following the defeat against Rayo Vallecano", the statement read.

"Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the training ground at Ciutat Esportiva", he added.