daniel chigunwe
MADRID. — Barcelona begin life without Ronald Koeman against Alaves today as they look to close the gap on the Spanish La Liga’s top four and restore confidence ahead of a Champions League trip to Dynamo Kiev.
Barca B coach Sergi Barjuan will be in charge at Camp Nou after Koeman’s sacking was confirmed on Wednesday night following a 1-0 defeat by Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas.
Xavi Hernandez is reportedly close to being appointed as Koeman’s replacement, but the return of the club’s legendary midfielder is not expected to come before the weekend.
There should be a buzz of excitement nonetheless, with the prospect of Xavi coming back to the club he joined as an 11-year-old and left in 2015 enough to stir the players and fans.
Barjuan oversaw training on Thursday afternoon, when Barcelona president Joan Laporta also addressed the squad, explaining the decision to dismiss Koeman and emphasising the onus is now on them to spark a revival.
“We’re all in the same boat here,” Sergio Busquets said on Wednesday night.
“It’s everyone’s fault. For good and bad, we’re a team and we have to show it on the pitch.”
Two wins in seven league games have left Barca languishing in ninth, six points adrift of Real Betis in fourth.
The increasingly real possibility of failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League was likely a key factor in Koeman’s removal.
Finishing in the top four will be the top priority for Koeman’s replacement but the other immediate objective will be to reach the Champions League knock-out stage this season, after consecutive 3-0 losses to Bayern Munich and Benfica left the team on the brink of an early exit.
Ansu Fati could return after missing the defeat by Rayo, with Sergio Aguero set to continue up front.
Real Madrid’s goalless draw at home to Osasuna on Wednesday was overshadowed by Koeman’s exit but Carlo Ancelotti’s team missed the chance to go two points clear at the top of the table.
Spanish La Liga Fixtures
Today: Elche v Real Madrid (2pm); Sevilla v Osasuna (6:15pm); Valencia v Villarreal (6:30pm); Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves (9pm).
Tomorrow: Cadiz v Mallorca (3pm); Atletico Madrid v Real Betis (5:15pm); Getafe v Espanyol (7:30pm); Real Sociedad v Athletic Club (10pm).
Monday: Rayo Vallecano v Celta Vigo (7:30pm); Levante v Granada (10pm). — AFP.
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