Guardiola in Rijkaard out

Frank Rijkaard has been sacked as the coach of Barcelona after serving 6 years at the Nou Camp. But he will continue as the manager till the end of this season and he will be replaced by Guardiola, former Barcelona player and the present coach of the 'C' team. The sacking of Rijkaard was on expected lines as Barca have ended with empty hands for 2 years in a row after winning La Liga and Champions League in 2006.

Their form in league this season has been nothing but inconsistent. Its true that Real Madrid ran away with the title but Barcelona have had their chances in the league, something that they did not take. The lead which was once 9 points during mid season was cut down to just 2, but Barca once again kept dropping points and Real Madrid who had a tough start to 2008, picked up their pace and made real daylight between their rivals.

Barcelona have had lots of internal(players) problems with Ronaldinho playing no where near his potential and the players kept saying they would leave if they don't win anything this season. Henry who was brought in and expected to star for the Catalans was played out of position all through and has never really kicked off in La Liga. Barca lost both the El Classico's this season after a time of 24 years. And to make matters worse they were made to form the Guard of Honour at the Bernebeu as the Whites had wrapped up the title at Osasuna. And in the pitch they were humiliated by the Champions(Campeones).

Messi was the only star this season and even he was injured for most of the time. And when he dint play Barca totally lost their way. And to add insult to injury they have also failed to capture second place in the table and will have to play the qualifying rounds in Champions League next season. Now the trimming job is taking place at the Nou Camp with Rijkaard being the first to go out. Its expected that Ronaldinho will follow soon and be off to AC Milan. Henry is linked with a move back to England. Deco and Eto'o also are set to leave. So its a sorry state at the Catalan club who will look for better things next season.