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Rijkaard 'to leave' Barcelona post
May 9th 2008 04:30
Frank Rijkaard: The soon to be ex-Barcelona coach
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard
The former Dutch international and AC Milan star took charge at the Nou Camp in 2003 and enjoyed a great run of results which saw the club win La Liga for consecutive seasons in 2005 and 2006, as well as the Champions League in 2006.
Former player Pep Guardiola will manage Barcelona
Since then, the club has failed to bring in any trophies despite boasting arguably the most talented squad in world football with the likes of Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Deco, Messi, Iniesta, Puyol and Thierry Henry at his disposal.
The club currently lies in third position on the La Liga table and have failed to secure an automatic spot in next season's Champions League. Despite the club distancing themselves from rumours that Rijkaard would be replaced for next season, the final straw came on Wednesday when they were thrashed 4-1 by bitter rivals and La Liga Champions 07/08 Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
While Rijkaard's man-management skills have been called into question for much of the season, it is no coincidence that the club's fortunes took a downturn after the fall from grace of both Ronaldinho and Eto'o - two of the best players in the team - who have struggled with motivation and fitness. The talismanic Lionel Messi, who has experienced an on/off season due to injury, has also contributed to his team's poor on-field performance which has ultimately led to Rijkaard's decision to 'leave' the club.
What cannot be argued though is Rijkaard's bizarre decision to play one of the most prolific strikers in world football, Thierry Henry, on the left wing for much of the season.
Former player Josep Guardiola will takeover the reigns at the club where he is still revered as a legend from his playing days on 30 June. Guardiola captained the Barcelona side when they won the European Cup for the first time in 1992 and he will be taking on one of the toughest jobs in world football for his first foray into top-flight management.
How he will fare is anyone's guess...
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