Ronald Koeman Sacked As Barcelona Coach, Xavi Hernandez Favourite To Replace Him

Ronald Koeman has been sacked as coach of Barcelona, the club announced on Wednesday, with former midfielder Xavi Hernandez the favourite to replace him.

Ronald Koeman has been sacked as coach of Barcelona, the club announced on Wednesday, with former midfielder Xavi Hernandez the favourite to replace him. Koeman was dismissed after a 1-0 defeat by Rayo Vallecano left the team sitting ninth in La Liga. Barca have won only two of their last seven league games under Koeman, a run that included losing to Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico at Camp Nou. A poor start to the season has raised the possibility of the team failing to qualify for next season's Champions League, which would have enormous consequences for the club's already dire financial situation.

Xavi, who is currently in charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, is considered Koeman's most likely successor.

Barcelona B coach Sergi Barjuan could take charge of the first team on an interim basis, with games against Alaves, Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League, and Celta Vigo to come before the next international break.

River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo and Ajax's Erik ten Hag have also been linked with Barcelona but might be reluctant to leave their respective posts mid-season.

A club statement released after midnight in Spain on Wednesday read: "FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach.