Barcelona have announced the sacking of coach Ronald Koeman.

The board has relieved the Dutchman of his duties as head coach on Wednesday following the 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano.

After months of speculation regarding his future, the defeat to Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico coupled with the loss away at Rayo on Wednesday proved to be the final straw.

Despite Koeman being a club legend himself during his playing days, a disappointing end to the 2020/21 LaLiga Santander campaign, coupled with an even worse start to the current season - where Barcelona find themselves ninth in the table - convinced the board that the Dutchman would not be able to turn the tide.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Barca announced:

"FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach. 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."