Barcelona presidential candidate vows to sack Ronald Koeman

Victor Font has vowed to sack Ronald Koeman and replace him with Xavi Hernandez as manager should he win the Barcelona presidential elections next year.

Current president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed on Tuesday night that Koeman will replace Quique Setien as Barcelona’s new manager following a horrendous 2019/20 campaign.

The Blaugrana finished trophyless for the first time since 2007/08 after finishing second in LaLiga, exiting the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and suffering a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Technical director Eric Abidal has also vacated his role in the aftermath of that defeat in Lisbon. Bartomeu, meanwhile, is under pressure himself after the club brought forward the presidential elections to March 15 next year, with Font hoping to displace him.

The Spanish businessman, who acts as the CEO of investment firm Delta Partners, has always maintained plans to install Xavi as manager. And nothing has changed on that front whatsoever.

“I would not change my plans,” Font confirmed to Spanish radio program El Larguero on Tuesday night.

“It is essential to implement the project that we carry out in the short and medium-term. To continue winning in 2030, we have to implement it.

Ronald Koeman won four LaLiga titles in a row at Barcelona and scored the winning goal in the 1991/92 European Cup final securing the club's first ever trophy in the competition.

A member of Johan Cruyff's famous Dream Team and could be set for a return to Blaugrana. pic.twitter.com/VgpA3fe15b

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 17, 2020

“If we win, Koeman will not be the coach. He is a myth of Barcelona. We have to thank him for wanting to take up the challenge, wish him the best of success and if necessary he can contribute to the project in some way.

“We would implement the project from the vice-presidency to the youth soccer coach.”

Xavi recently extended his contract as manager of Qatari side Al-Sadd for another year after turning down the opportunity to replace Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona in January.

The club legend, though, has frequently reiterated his desire to return to Camp Nou someday.