The ‘Rijkaard era’ at Barcelona ended with a 5-3 win over relegated Real Murcia to bring a rare smile to the face of the Dutch coach.
Frank Rijkaard won two league titles and the Champions League trophy in 2006 with Barcelona but, unfortunately for him, nothing for the past two years. ‘Success’ is all important in Spanish football, so it’s ‘bye bye Rijkaard’, ‘hello Guardiola’.
At least he went out with a win as 19 year old Mexican striker Giovani Dos Santos scored a hat-trick with Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto’o getting the other two. It could also be the final match for both Henry and Eto’o, their futures at the club as yet undecided.
Also following Rijkaard to the exit will be Ronaldinho and Deco, neither of whom were chosen for this final match. Ronaldinho, instrumental in Barcelona’s successes under Rijkaard, has gone off the boil more than somewhat, preferring partying to football these days.