Henrik Larsson is set for sensational return to coaching

Celtic legend Henrik Larsson looks set to make a sensational return to football with one of the biggest clubs in the world.

After a weak season by the Spanish club’s own standards and that 8-2 humiliation against Bayern Munich recently, it was almost inevitable that Quique Setien wouldn’t last long as the Barcelona Manager.  Barcelona didn’t win a trophy last season for the first time in many years and ended second behind Real Madrid in La Liga. None of which are job enhancing statistics.

They’ve moved quickly to remove the manager and others like Eric Abidal as sporting director with Ronald Koeman today being appointed and announced as the new manager. It’s anticipated that, from his usual support team, he’ll be joined there by Alfred Schreuder.

Interestingly though the rumours as reported by newsgroup AS.com are that Larsson is on Koeman’s must have list of conditions for Barcelona. He wants the Celtic legend on his coaching team. It’s been a while, but they both played together at Feyenoord and clearly there is a good relationship between the two, with Koeman pressing this appointment as part of his own deal.

The Dutchman wants the former Celtic and Barcelona star to join his team as one of the assistants, most likely tasked with helping coach the forwards. This could be a difficult point in time to take up a role at the Catalan club.

There would be many challenges involved in bringing success back to Barcelona, who have slumped badly and are running the risk of losing many of their top players. Messi being the key individual whose own future at the club is in doubt as he may want to leave.

But none of that will scare or deter Larsson. He’s not been lucky in getting a successful managerial career up and running so far. If appointed at Barcelona as part of a team under Koeman, then despite the challenges faced, it’s a tremendous chance to learn, develop and build a further career in coaching and management.

Everyone associated with Celtic would wish Henrik well in such an appointment. Who knows it might help build experience for a managerial role at the hoops in the future!