(Add Dutch statement)
BARCELONA, Aug. 19 (Reuters) – Barcelona have named Ronald Koeman as their next manager, the club said on Wednesday as the Catalans seek to rebuild after their 8-2 Champions League war against Bayern Munich earlier in the week. pass.
Koeman, who stepped down as Holland’s manager, signed a two-year contract with Barcelona, which fired Quique Setién on Monday after presiding over the club’s worst defeat at a European festival and a first trophy-free season for the club. since the 2007-08 Campaign.
Koeman, who will be officially unveiled at the Camp Nou stadium later on Wednesday, is highly regarded by Barça for his role in the successful aspect of Johan Cruyff known as the ‘Dream Team’ and for setting the goal he delivered the first Club’s European Cup. . in 1992.
The defender transitioned to the club’s assistant coach before embarking on a head coaching career, leading Dutch groups Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord, as well as La Liga Premier League teams Southampton and Everton and Valencia.
“Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have reached an agreement that he will coach the team until June 30, 2022,” Barça said.
“Koeman, club legend and Barça hero at Wembley who gave the fans their first European Cup, returns to Camp Nou. But this time he will be on a bench to lead the squad. “
Koeman has been associated with Barcelona’s position many times in the past, despite the club’s uneven track record, which included disappointing spells at Valencia and Everton.
But he did wonders for the Dutch national team, leading them to the final of the 2019 UEFA Nations League and qualified for the postponed European championship after failing to succeed at Euro 2016 and the 2018 Global Cup.
“For more than two and a half years, I have done everything possible to be successful with the team,” Koeman said of the Dutch football association KNVB.
“I look back with pride at what we have achieved in combination in this period. The Dutch team has a bright future, I’m sure. Everyone knows that Barcelona is the club of my dreams. It is very special for me to be able to do it. become a coach there. “
KVNB Director Eric Gudde added: “We regret Ronald’s decision, but we respect his choice. Back in the days when Ronald, the national coach, performed well and returned the blush on his cheeks after several difficult years. “
Assistant coach Dwight Lodeweges will act as interim national coach until KNVB has appointed a successor. (Reporting via Richard Martin; Editing via Tothrough Chopra and Christian Radnedge)
46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor,
Malaysia
Phone: 603-7784 6688
Fax: 603-7785 2624 / 603-7785 2625