Barca in talks with Koeman after sacking coach Setien

Barcelona, August 18

Ronald Koeman is in talks to leave his role as Netherlands manager in order to succeed Quique Setien as coach of Barcelona, the Dutchman said today outside the national team’s headquarters.

Koeman, who has coached the Dutch national side since 2018 and led them to qualify for next year’s postponed European Championships, said he wanted to coach Barca but had not yet finalised a deal. “It is only definite when my signature is on the document. Until then I cannot say anything, even if I wanted to,” Koeman said.

Barca sacked Setien yesterday after only seven months in charge as the 61-year-old became the first casualty of the club’s plan to rebuild.

Koeman is dearly loved at Barca for his playing career in Johan Cruyff’s hugely successful side known as the ‘Dream Team’.

Meanwhile, Barcelona has sacked sporting director Eric Abidal, who had been in the role for over two years. The Frenchman was also the target of criticism from Lionel Messi earlier this year. — Reuters