Ex Barca Star Defender, Barjuan, Replaces Sacked Koeman
Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of former star defender Sergi Barjuan as interim head coach following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.
The Dutch legend was relieved of his duties after Barça slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano; a result that leaves the Catalan giants a lowly ninth in La Liga.
A statement from Barcelona following the appointment of Sergi read:”Barcelona hereby announces that Sergi Barjuan, the current coach of Barça B, shall be taking provisional charge of the technical management of the senior squad. His interim position as first team head coach shall end as soon as the club has hired full-time head coach to replace the dismissed Ronald Koeman.
Barcelona President, Joan Laporta, officially introduced Sergi Barjuan to the first team squad yesterday afternoon before the training session at the Ciutat Esportiva.
Sergi, 49, was appointed Barcelona B manager in June 2021, signing a two-year contract, but his association with the club dates back to a length spell as a player.
Between 1993 and 2002, Barjuan made 267 La Liga appearances for the club, having graduated through the club’s academy.
He then concluded his playing career with a three-year spell at Atletico Madrid, before returning to Camp Nou as a youth coach in 2009.
He’s subsequently enjoyed spells as manager of Almeria, Mallorca and Zhejiang Professional of China, before returning to Catalonia over the summer.
Xavi Leads Candidates for Barcelona Job
Barcelona are looking for a new coach after they sacked Ronald Koeman with the Spanish giants ninth in La Liga and third in their Champions League group.
A dire financial situation has hung over the club in recent months, causing Lionel Messi to join Paris Saint-Germain in August. Barcelona are 1.35 billion euros in debt.
Any successor would have to work within those economic constraints, bring back a more attractive style of football and significantly improve results.
Most importantly, Barcelona President, Joan Laporta, will want to see greater assurances that the team will finish in La Liga’s top four. Failing to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League would only deepen the club’s financial crisis.
AFP Sport here takes a look at three leading candidates to become Koeman’s successor:
XAVI HERNANDEZ
Xavi is currently in charge of Qatari side Al Sadd and would be a hugely popular choice with the Barca fans, given his glittering career at the Camp Nou as an elite midfielder.
There is also the belief that the 41-year-old would instil an attractive style similar to the one played by Barcelona when he was there under Pep Guardiola.
But Laporta has reportedly had reservations about appointing Xavi in the past, not least because of his lack of experience.
Xavi might also be reluctant to join, with the club in such a financial mess and now without his former team-mate Messi.
He is though the clear favourite to take the reins.
MARCELO GALLARDO
Gallardo has been manager of River Plate for seven seasons and long been touted for a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona.
The 45-year-old Argentine has won 12 trophies in his time in charge of River and believes in a modern, eye-catching playing style based on possession football and counter-pressing.
Hiring someone without coaching experience in Europe would be a risk, however, and it could also be difficult to persuade Gallardo to leave the Buenos Aires giants mid-season.
ERIK TEN HAG
Ten Hag has become one of the most highly rated coaches in the world for his work at Ajax, taking them to two Dutch titles and a Champions League semi-final in 2019.
The 51-year-old Dutchman would continue a long tradition of moves between Ajax and Barca, with the clubs united by their adoration of Johan Cruyff.
Ten Hag is a disciple of attractive, possession football but he is also fiercely loyal to Ajax and is not believed to be keen on leaving after signing a contract until 2023 last summer.
Also has admirers in the Premier League, reportedly including Manchester United.
