Real Madrid boss Ancelotti sends message to Koeman over Barca dismissal

Carlo Ancelotti believes Ronald Koeman should ‘go ahead with the clear conscience’ that he has given ‘everything’ after the Dutchman was dismissed by Barcelona.

Barcelona have endured a miserable start to the season, winning just four of their opening ten La Liga games, and Koeman was relieved of his duties last night with the side languishing down in ninth in the Spanish top flight.

The Catalan giants have also struggled in the Champions League and sit third in Group E after a pair of comprehensive 3-0 defeats to Bayern Munich and Benfica.

Barca’s 1-0 loss away to Rayo Vallecano was the final straw and the search has begun for Koeman’s replacement, with club legend Xavi among the favourites to take over the reins.

‘FC Barcelona have relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach,’ a statement on Barcelona’s official website read.

‘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.’

Real Madrid boss Ancelotti was asked about Koeman’s imminent dismissal in the wake of his side’s goalless draw at home to Osasuna yesterday evening.

The Italian, enjoying his second managerial spell at the Bernabeu, insisted his counterpart had done his utmost to make a success of his time with Barcelona and suggested being sacked was simply ‘part of the job’.

‘I have been dismissed many times and I am still here alive, happy,’ Ancelotti told reporters at his post-match press conference.

‘It’s part of the job to be fired and you have to give it your all until you are a coach. 

‘The day after they throw you out, go ahead with the clear conscience that you have given everything. 

‘I believe that Koeman is giving everything he can.’

Barcelona’s defeat Rayo Vallecano means they now trail league leaders Real Madrid by six points in La Liga table ahead of their clash with Alaves.

It remains to be seen whether Koeman’s successor will be in the dugout at the Camp Nou this weekend.

Former Barca and Spain midfielder Xavi, currently in charge of Saudi outfit Al-Sadd, has made no secret of his interest in the job.

‘Any offer will be evaluated and then a decision will be made,’ he told TVE last month.

‘I don’t know where my future will take me, but I’m open to anything.’

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