TheCable

Ronald Koeman has been sacked as head coach of Barcelona following a damning 1-0 loss at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night.

The former Barcelona player and legend left his role after 14 months in charge.

Koeman, who won the Spanish Copa del Rey in his first season as manager, was sacked after a series of poor performances from his side and a loss that consigned Barcelona to three consecutive defeats in away league games for the first time since 1987.

It was also the club’s third loss in four matches as the Catalans have won only four in ten and have not won away from home this season.

“FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach. The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva,” the club wrote in a statement.

“FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the Club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.”

The 58-year-old’s sack comes after Barcelona lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in the El Clasico at the Camp Nou stadium on Sunday.

Barcelona are ninth in La Liga after ten games and have managed only two wins in their last seven league matches. The Blaugrana also lost their first two UEFA Champions League group stage matches for the first time in history.