Barcelona have officially sacked coach Ronald Koeman after yet another defeat, so while Xavi is the favourite to take over, Andrea Pirlo also remains an option.
The writing had been on the wall for some time and fans reacted furiously at the weekend to losing the Clasico against Real Madrid, physically attacking his car as he tried to leave the stadium.
This evening’s 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano proved the final straw.
A statement was released late into the night confirming that Koeman had been dismissed.
“FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach. The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano.
“Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva.
“FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the Club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.”
Koeman had also been a player for Barca from 1989 to 1995, finishing his career back in the Netherlands with Feyenoord.
Xavi remains the favourite to take over in what would be a return to the club where he spent practically his entire playing career.
Now 41, he has been the coach of Al-Sadd since 2019 in the Qatar Stars League.
He came through the Barcelona youth academy and played 767 games for the Blaugrana until his move to Al-Sadd in 2015.
Because he is under contract, there is still the possibility that former Juventus coach Pirlo could be called in to Camp Nou.
Pirlo has one season under his belt at Juve, in which he won the Coppa Italia and the Italian Supercup.
He steered the Bianconeri to fourth place, qualifying for the Champions League.