Sergi Barjuan appointed as interim manager of Barcelona

Barcelona have appointed Barcelona B manager Sergi Barjuan as the main team’s interim manager after the dismissal of Ronald Koeman on Wednesday evening.

Ronald Koeman was shown the exit after consecutive losses in the La Liga this week, first in the El Clasico on Sunday before another 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.

Barcelona has also endured a poor start to the season after failing to win its first two UEFA Champions League matches in the group stage. Koeman spent just 14 months on the job.

The appointment of Sergi Barjuan was announced on Barcelona’s official website stating that his interim status will end when a permanent manager is hired. Sergi was a defender with Barcelona and won three League titles.

“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 said in a statement.

Sergi’s first game as Barcelona’s manager will be at the weekend against Alaves on Saturday.

Meanwhile, former Barcelona player Xavi who is in charge of Qatari side Al Sadd is tipped to be Barca’s next permanent coach.

Barcelona are in 9th with 15 points from 10 games with 15 goals scored and 11 conceded, six points from the last UEFA Champions League place and nine away from Real Sociedad at the top of the table.

Real Sociedad will remain at the summit of the table till the weekend after beating Celta Vigo 2-0 on Thursday.

Alexander Isak and Aritz Elustondo scored second half goals to help Sociedad to the all important win that separates them from the rest of the teams on 21 points.

Real Madrid’s failure to beat Osasuna on Wednesday ensured they remained on 21 points with Sevilla, and Betis.

Written by Daniel Ademiju Idowu