La Liga News: Barcelona Fires Manager, Lines Up Potential Replacements

Barcelona needs answers, and it may all start with the one calling the plays on the field.

Ronald Koeman has reportedly been relieved of his duties as team manager, according to an announcement by club president Joan Laporta via the team’s official website.

The 58-year-old was informed of the decision following another loss--this time at the hands of Rayo Vallecano.

Koeman will officially say goodbye to the team this Thursday, October 29 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,” part of the official statement read.

Following an embarrassing loss to Rayo Vallecano, an emergency meeting was reportedly held with Laporta, CBS Sports reported.

But following the game results, it was pretty clear that things were not looking good for Koeman.

Aware that finding a replacement for Koeman is an urgent matter, the board allegedly has a couple of names in mind. The names of Xavi and Roberto Martinez were among those mentioned.

The Barca board has reportedly been in touch with Xavi the past weeks, but formal discussions have yet to be made. He is currently calling the shots for the Al Sadd.

On the other hand, Martinez is currently managing Belgium in the European qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

During his time in Camp Nou, Koeman was able to lead the team to the Copa del Rey. It was one of the highlights of the club legend when he took over the managerial duties in August 2020.

But after that, things just did not fall into place. He managed to lead Barca to only a third-place finish in La Liga.

That was further compounded by the exit of Lionel Messi. The Blaugranas could not find a way to keep the Argentine footballer in the fold due to salary cap restrictions.

Barcelona has been in a financial bind, something that was carried over from previous management.

Hence, all the club can do right now is operate with a limited budget and rebuild with a focus on young players.

Among the young promising players in the mix include Pedri and Ansu Fati.