Ronaldo Koeman was sacked by Barcelona before the wheels even touched down from their flight home after a dismal 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano.
The Dutchman was finally put out of his misery on Wednesday night following another flat display in LaLiga that has left his struggling side ninth in the table, with president Joan Laporta left ‘very angry’ with the result, according to Spanish publication Sport.
Koeman – who was appointed 14 months ago – has led Barca to their worst start to a season since the 1987-88 campaign and his side are closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table.
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Club supremo Laporta is said to have briefly consulted members of staff and fellow directors on board the flight before making his decision on Koeman’s future. The Dutchman was aware of his fate before the plane landed, the reports adds, and knew he would not be able to conduct training the following day.
Just hours after arriving back in Barcelona, the club made the announcement official, with the search now on for his replacement.
Legendary midfielder Xavi has already been installed as the favourite is said to be in talks over the role – although Laporta has previously indicated he was not ready for a big job yet.
