Barcelona confirm Ronald Koeman appointment as new head coach
Ronald Koeman has been appointed Barcelona’s new first-team coach after agreeing a two-year deal, the Catalan club have announced.
The 57-year-old Dutchman, who spent six years at the Nou Camp as a player, will leave his job in charge of the Netherlands’ national team to replace Quique Setien following his departure on Friday.
A statement on the club’s official website said: “FC Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have reached an agreement for the Dutchman to take over as first-team coach until 30 June 2022.”
Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu had earlier confirmed the club’s intention to appoint the former Southampton and Everton boss following Setien’s dismissal.
Setien and sporting director Eric Abidal have both been let go by the LaLiga club in the wake of Friday’s humiliating 8-2 Champions League quarter-final defeat by Bayern Munich.
Koeman had signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he replaced Dick Advocaat in charge of the national team in February 2018.
According to Mundo Deportivo (via Football Espana), €5million in compensation will be paid to the Netherlands for ending his contract there early.
What’s more, the Spanish newspaper also claims Koeman want Henrik Larsson in his coaching set-up. Larsson, a Barca fan favourite, won the Champions League and two LaLiga titles with the club between 2004 and 2006.
Koeman, meanwhile, will be the third man at the helm this year, with Setien having only replaced Ernesto Valverde in January.
MESSI FUTURE HIGH UP ON KOEMAN’S AGENDA?
Further reports claim that resolving Lionel Messi’s future is near the top of Koeman’s new agenda.
The Barcelona icon is out of contract next summer after so far failing to agree another extension. Indeed, disputes with the likes of Abidal have marred this season for the Argentine.
Now, Koeman will reportedly have a big job on his hands rebuilding an ageing squad, with Messi’s future also an area of concern.