Barcelona announce interim manager with Xavi expected to follow

Barcelona announce interim coach

Last night, the widely expected news that Ronald Koeman was forthcoming.

The Dutchman had overseen a poor start to the campaign, leaving the club in ninth place in La Liga following their most recent 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano.

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

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2021

It was not much better in Europe either, with just one win from their opening three group games, and a goal difference of -5. Clearly, the time had come some time ago to replace him, but perhaps for financial reasons, it took until yesterday’s defeat to ultimately pull the trigger.

Hours later, the club have announced that Sergi Barjuan, the head coach of Barcelona B, would be taking charge on an interim basis. The Spaniard has been with Barcelona for just three months, and has taken charge of 5 Barca B games, suggesting that he will not be in charge for too long.

[ÚLTIMA HORA]

Sergi Barjuan, nuevo entrenador interino del FC Barcelona

Más información
▶ https://t.co/qqwNjTUjfb pic.twitter.com/WgxgqRlF2p

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) October 28, 2021

And, as per all major outlets, there is one man in the frame currently for the role.

Xavi set to take the hotseat

That man is none other than former Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez, who currently manages Al-Sadd in the Qatari League. One of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Xavi appeared 767 times for the Catalan club, where he spent 20 years of his career.

Barcelona will announce new interim coach. Then it’s gonna be Xavi. He has accepted Barça project after talking with president Laporta days ago. Still waiting contract termination process with Al-Sadd. 🔴 #FCB

Laporta will announce Xavi to the team today, acc to @tjuanmarti. pic.twitter.com/zXOnMZKtIn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2021

He renewed his contract with Al-Sadd earlier in the year, but allegedly has a release clause should Barca come calling. And they have. As per Ben Jacobs, this will not sour the relationship between the Qatar outfit and Xavi, who had been agreement that should the opportunity arise, he could depart.

If Xavi moves to Barcelona he’ll leave with Al Sadd’s blessing & remain a Qatar 2022 ambassador. Told he’s always (since day one) had a release clause allowing him to return to Barca should an offer arise. He was approached before Koeman, too, but felt it was too soon to join. pic.twitter.com/U9g7Vf19jT

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 28, 2021

Will he be more successful than his predecessor?

Read more:

How much money Barcelona were forced to hand out to fire Ronald Koeman revealed

The two players Xavi will demand Barcelona sign if he becomes the new boss