Barcelona appoint Koeman as new head coach

 

Barcelona have confirmed former Everton manager Ronald Koeman as Quique Setien's replacement.

 

The Spanish side sacked Setien after a year in charge following their humilating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last week.

 

Ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was briefly linked with the Barcelona hot-seat but Koeman has instead got the job on a two-year deal.

 

The 57-year-old spent six years as a player for Barcelona from 1989 to 1995 and has been pining to return as head coach his entire managerial career.

 

Koeman's reputation took a hit after his sacking as Everton boss in 2017 but he has steadily re-built as manager of the Netherlands national team over the last 18 months.

 

The Dutchman's first challenge is to convince Lionel Messi to stay committed to Barcelona amid reports he wants to leave.

 

 

Barcelona are in turmoil on and off the pitch, having just endured their first trophyless season since the 2007-08 season.

 

Koeman has managed 10 different sides during his managerial career and his worst win ratio came during his one job in Spain, with Valencia.

 

In 22 LaLiga matches he oversaw just four wins, with only Real Murcia picking up fewer points in that time.