Ronald Koeman looks set to be named at the new manager of Barcelona following the dismissal of Quique Setien after the Champions League 8-2 shocker against Bayern Munich.
Former Barca star Rivaldo reckons Koeman needs a clear-out when he takes over from the sacked Setien.
Rivaldo worked with Koeman when the former Everton and Southampton boss was assistant coach at the Nou Camp under Louis van Gaal.
And the Brazil great is backing the current Holland manager to rebuild after the club’s historic thrashing.
Here’s what Rivaldo said: “I know the new boss very well. Besides being a successful player and a good person, Koeman learned a lot from the managers he worked with.
“He's done solid work at some clubs, and more recently now as manager of the Netherlands national team, so I think he is a good fit.
“Koeman has work to do to get the squad back on their feet after their embarrassing 8-2 defeat to Bayern.
“I hope he can achieve that as quickly as possible. There will be many changes this summer, with players coming and going.
“I'd back Koeman to make good decisions and make Barcelona stronger in the near future.”
While Lionel Messi’s future is back in doubt, the Argentina superstar looks set to stay on for at least another season.
But Barca are an ageing team that needs freshening up, with Koeman widely expected to ring the changes before making way for Xavi in a year’s time.
A distraught Gerard Pique, 33, has already offered to quit, and RIvaldo reckons several players could leave.
He said: “They certainly feel ashamed, so it's normal that many rumours have been circulating about players leaving.
“It's up to Koeman, though, to evaluate which players should go and which should stay.”
Koeman wants to bring in Ajax playmaker Donny van de Beek, 23, and the club is already working to sign Manchester City’s Eric Garcia, 19. But Rivaldo is convinced Messi has NOT yet made his mind up to go.
The 2002 World Cup winner said: “Messi may have considered that for a moment. But he wouldn't take such an important decision without talking to the board first.”
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Rivaldo also believes misfit Philippe Coutinho could now get a reprieve, saying: “With so many exits expected at Barca, Coutinho might even get more opportunities.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
