BARCELONA (Reuters) – Barcelona has named Ronald Koeman as their next coach, the club said Wednesday at a time when The Catalans are looking to rebuild after the 8-2 Champions War with Bayern Munich last week.
Koeman, who has resigned as coach from the Netherlands, signed a two-year contract with Barcelona, which fired Quique Setien on Monday after presiding over the club’s worst defeat at a European festival and a first season without trophies for the club since the 2007–08 Campaign.
Koeman, who will be officially unveiled at the Camp Nou on Wednesday afternoon, is highly appreciated by Barca for his role in Johan Cruyff’s successful team known as the ‘Dream Team’ and for setting the goal he delivered to the club’s first European Cup. . 1992.
The defence then assistant coach of the club before embarking on a career as head coach, leading the Dutch groups Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord, as well as Premier League groups Southampton and Everton and Valencia la Liga.
“Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have reached an agreement for him to be the team’s coach until 30 June 2022,” said Azulgrana.
Koeman, club legend and blue hero in Wembley who gave fans his first European Cup, returns to Camp Nou. But this time he’ll be in the shelter to lead the team.
Koeman has been related to Barcelona’s position in the past, despite the club’s somewhat asymmetrical record, which included disappointing periods in Valencia and Everton.
But he did wonders for the Dutch national team, taking them to the 2019 UEFA Nations League final and qualifying for the postponed European Championship after failing to succeed at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.
“For the past two and a half years, I’ve done everything I can to succeed with the team,” Koeman told the Dutch football association’s website, KNVB.
“I look back proudly for what we have completed in combination with this period. The Dutch national team has a bright future, I am convinced. Everyone knows that Barcelona is the club of my dreams. It’s very special for me to be able to become a coach.” There.
KVNB director Eric Gudde added: “We are Ronald’s decision, but we respect his choice. During Ronald’s time as national coach, he performed well and returned color to the team after several difficult years.
Assistant coach Dwight Lodeweges will serve as interim national coach until KNVB appoints a successor.
Reporting through Richard Martin; Edited through Tothrough Chopra and Christian Radnedge
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