Barcelona Lose Again, Ronald Koeman Sacked!

Ronald Koeman (Twitter @FCBarcelona)

JAKARTA - Barcelona have officially sacked Ronald Koeman as coach following Thursday's defeat to Rayo Vallecano, the Catalan club's official website said.

The defeat left Barcelona ninth in the La Liga standings, having won just four of 10 matches.

"FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman from his duties as coach of the first team. The Club President, Joan Laporta informed of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the players on Thursday (local time) at Ciutat Esportiva," Barca wrote reported by Antara.

The Blaugrana have struggled in the Champions League this season, which saw Koeman lose his place after more than one season in charge.

FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2021

Previously, Barcelona lost 2-0 away to Atletico Madrid in La Liga on October 3.

Their 2-1 loss to Real Madrid at the Nou Camp on 24 October marked Koeman's third successive Clasico defeat.

After the match, the Dutchman became the target of the fans' anger when they damaged Koeman's car while trying to leave the Camp Nou.

After being beaten by Vallecano, Koeman said: "That (Barcelona's league position) says we are not good."

"The team has lost balance in the squad, lost very effective players, it shows. In recent years, other clubs have strengthened the team every season and we don't, it shows too."

Koeman was appointed Barcelona coach in August last year, guiding the club to a third-placed finish in LaLiga last season and winning the Copa del Rey.

However, he has struggled in his second season following the departure of Lionel Messi.

Names such as Xavi Hernandez, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez, Ajax coach Erik Ten Hag have been linked as Koeman's replacement.