Barcelona fired head coach Ronald Koeman following a 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday evening.
That setback came just three days after another, a 2-1 home loss to Real Madrid in the Clasico on Sunday.
The defeat dropped Barcelona to the ninth position in the Liga standings, having won only four of their first ten league games.
The Blaugrana have also struggled in the Champions League this season, which led to Koeman’s dismissal after just a little more than a season in command.
“FC Barcelona has sacked Ronald Koeman as coach of the first team tonight,” the club said in a statement. After Rayo Vallecano’s defeat, club president Joan Laporta notified him of the decision.
“Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad this Thursday at the Ciudad Deportiva.
“FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.”
According to Goal, Barcelona’s iconic former player and current Al Sadd head coach Xavi has been given the post as a substitute for Koeman.
Xavi has an escape option with Qatar, and it is believed that he wishes to join Barcelona, who are willing to pay the money required to get the 41-year-old.
