Adeu to Frank Rijkaard

Barcelona’s 4-1 defeat by Real Madrid on Wednesday proved to be the last straw for the club directors, who met on Thursday to discus Frank Rijkaard’s future. Joan Laporta confirmed the inevitable at the press conference that followed, saying that Frank Rijkaard would leave at the end of June, with B team coach Pep Guardiola stepping up to take over for next season.

Guardiola was part of Barcelona’s “dream team” and seen by many as the ideal candidate - ex-Barça player, Catalan and already part of the furniture. However, it isn’t a view held by everyone and it remains to be seen whether he can breathe life back into a much demoralized squad.