Memphis Depay’s missed penalty costs Koeman his job

Perhaps surprisingly, Ronald Koeman managed to hold on to his Barcelona job until last night.

With the Blaugrana ninth in La Liga, and having only picked up three points from their opening 3 Champions League games, few could have complained if the Dutchman had been relieved of his duties well before last night.

However, it was ultimately a 1-0 defeat to Real Vallecano that proved one bridge too far for Juan Laporta and his fellow decision-makers at the Camp Nou. A missed penalty late in the affair ensured that it was Radamel Falcao (yes, him) who proved the match-winner with a strike on the half-hour mark that Barca failed to come back from.

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

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2021

In a statement, the Catalan club said:

FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach. The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva. 

FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the Club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.

Xavi draws up Barcelona wishlist

One of those linked with the vacant role is none other than former midfielder Xavi Hernandez, currently managing Qatar side Al Sadd.

En @sport: Xavi Hernández llega a un acuerdo con el Barça para ser el nuevo técnico azulgrana #fcblive pic.twitter.com/Jd7pWNN4UP

— Toni Juanmartí (@tjuanmarti) October 28, 2021

However, as per Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, the former La Masia graduate would ask for two players to bolster his sides ranks in January.

Raheem Sterling, currently out of favour at Manchester City, is on the wishlist, along with summer Chelsea target Jules Kounde.

🚨[ @gerardromero🥇] | Exclusive: Xavi Hernandez wants Ansu and Dembélé to be wise open on the wings. Xavi also want to bring in a fast band player, and likes Raheem Sterling a lot. In addition, Xavi wants a fast center-back, preferably, Jules Kounde. #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/EcV0xDZRSv

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) October 28, 2021

With Barcelona struggles financially well-documented, it seems unlikely that they would get both. But, it is possible that they pull out all the stops to usher Xavi through the door.

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