Ronald Koeman Was Brutally Sacked By Barcelona On Plane, With Whole Squad Sat Behind Him

Ronald Koeman has slammed Barcelona president Joan Laporta for sacking him on the plane, with the whole squad behind.

Koeman was relieved of his duties in in October after suffering three defeats in his last four games.

His final game in charge was a 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano, where Radamel Falcao scored the winner and Memphis Depay missed a second-half penalty.

The decision had been brewing for quite sometime after the team's massively disappointing domestic campaign, as well as poor performance in the Champions League.

But it was on the Wednesday night travelling back after the game when Koeman was told of his fate and Koeman is still furious with the brutal manner of his dismissal.

Speaking on Hoge Bomen TV show, the Dutchman said: "The way Laporta sacked me? One thing that hurt me about it was that players were sitting behind us in the plane while I had to come and sit next to him. He always shouts that I’m a club legend, prove it then…and act differently!”

Koeman made 264 appearances for Barca, scoring 88 goals and winning four La Liga titles in his time as a player.

His managerial stint lasted 67 games and saw him end with a 58% win ratio.

Barca legend Xavi Hernandez was drafted in as Koeman's replacement and, with the help of a flurry of new signings, has helped steer the team forwards.

The Nou Camp club are currently just five points behind second-placed Sevilla after a 4-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday.

In his first interview since his sacking, Koeman hit out the club and particularly Laporta - whilst also adding that Xavi has already been given more time than he was afforded.

"He had told me a thousand times that Xavi would not be his coach, because he lacked experience," the former Everton boss told Mundo Deportivo.

"But he needed a shield, someone to hide behind.

"They didn't give me the time they gave the new coach, Xavi. It's still painful for me."

"I was working with many injured. Now Pedri is back in shape, and Ousmane Dembélé... You can see everything. Every coach needs time and patience from the board."

Following tense negotiations, Barcelona reportedly agreed to pay Koeman £8.4 million in compensation after terminating his contract.