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Barcelona confirmed on Friday they have parted ways with B team coach Francisco Javier García Pimienta.
The Catalan giants are said to have ditched the 46-year-old and are looking at totally remodeling La Masia, according to Mundo Deportivo’s Ferran Martinez.
Barca later confirmed the news in an official statement:
“Barcelona has informed Barça B coach Francisco Javier García Pimienta that his contract is to be terminated. The Club publicly expresses its gratitude to him for his professionalism, commitment and dedication and the always positive and amenable way in which he has always acted towards all members of the Barça family, and wishes him all the very best in the future.”
The news comes as a real shock with García Pimienta having done a fine job with Barca B over the last three years where he’s worked with players such as Alex Collado, Ronald Araujo and Riqui Puig.
The team made it to the promotion playoffs again last season under García Pimienta but missed out after losing to UCAM Murcia following an epic penalty shootout.
García Pimienta’s work with the B team even saw a few whispers emerge that he could be a contender to replace Ronald Koeman as first-team coach.
The B team boss admitted last month that he would be happy to make the step up.
“I’m ready to coach the first team, it’s my duty. It would be unrealistic if I am not prepared. It is my intention and my enthusiasm, considering that it is complicated,” he said.
“We [players, doctors, physios] must all be prepared to go up to the first team and do our job well.”
Source | Beteve
It’s a big call from Barcelona and it’s not clear yet who will take over at Barca B. Former left-back Sergi Barjuan has been mentioned as a potential replacement.