Guernsey Press

Highs and lows of new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman’s managerial career

The 57-year-old played for Barca between 1989 and 1995.

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Barcelona have appointed former player Ronald Koeman as their new manager.

Koeman, who played for the LaLiga club between 1989 and 1995, returns to the Nou Camp to replace Quique Setien after his sacking in the wake of last week’s humiliating 8-2 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the highs and lows of the Dutchman’s managerial career.

Ronald Koeman was appointed Netherlands manager following their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup
Ronald Koeman was appointed Holland manager following their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup (Tim Goode/PA)

High – Koeman moved on to Ajax in December 2001 and ended the club’s three-year wait for the Eredivisie title in his first season, clinching a domestic double. Ajax were again champions under Koeman in 2004.

Low – He took over Portuguese champions Benfica in 2005 but failed to mount a title defence as they finished third behind rivals Porto and Sporting Lisbon. However, the club did reach the Champions League quarter-finals, beating Manchester United and holders Liverpool en route.

Ronald Koeman, right, defeated Rafael Benitez's Liverpool with Benfica during the 2005-06 Champions League
Ronald Koeman, right, defeated Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool with Benfica during the 2005-06 Champions League (Peter Byrne/PA)

Low – He won the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2008 but was dismissed later that year after the Spanish club plummeted to just two points above the LaLiga relegation zone and finished bottom of their Champions League group.

Low – Koeman left reigning Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar in December 2009 following seven defeats in his first 16 league matches after succeeding Louis Van Gaal.

Ronald Koeman enjoyed a successful stint with Southampton
Ronald Koeman enjoyed a successful stint with Southampton (Daniel Hambury/PA)

Low – Koeman was sacked by Everton in October 2017 with the club languishing in the Premier League relegation zone following a summer of heavy spending. A forgettable tenure at Goodison Park lasted just over a year.

High – Taking over a team which had failed to reach the 2018 World Cup, Koeman led Holland to qualification for Euro 2020, as well as finishing runners-up in the inaugural Nations League.

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