Who Managed Barcelona in 2005?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona is one of the most successful football clubs in the world, with a rich history of managers who have led the team to numerous victories. In 2005, Barcelona had a manager who was tasked with leading the team to glory both domestically and internationally.

But who was this manager? Let’s take a closer look.

The Manager of Barcelona in 2005

The manager of Barcelona in 2005 was none other than Frank Rijkaard. Rijkaard was a Dutch footballer who played as a midfielder for Ajax, AC Milan, and the Netherlands national team. After retiring from playing football, he moved into management and took over as Barcelona’s head coach in 2003.

Rijkaard’s Early Career as Manager

Rijkaard had a successful start to his career as Barcelona’s manager. In his first season, he led the team to second place in La Liga and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The following year, Rijkaard went one better by winning La Liga and reaching the final of the Champions League.

The Success of 2005

In 2005, Rijkaard continued his impressive work with Barcelona. The team won their second consecutive La Liga title under his leadership, finishing seven points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. They also reached the final of the Champions League for the second year running.

In that final, they faced off against AC Milan – ironically, Rijkaard’s former club as a player. The game took place on May 25th at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium and was watched by millions around the world.

Despite going behind early on thanks to an opening goal from Milan’s Paolo Maldini, Barcelona managed to claw their way back into contention with goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti. The game ended 2-1 in Barcelona’s favor, and they were crowned champions of Europe for the second time in their history.

Rijkaard’s Legacy at Barcelona

Rijkaard left Barcelona in 2008 after five seasons at the helm. During his time as manager, he won two La Liga titles, one Champions League title, and two Spanish Super Cups. He also oversaw the development of some of Barcelona’s greatest ever players, including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi.

Rijkaard’s legacy at Barcelona is still felt to this day. His emphasis on attacking football and possession-based play laid the groundwork for the team that would dominate European football under Pep Guardiola a few years later.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the manager of Barcelona in 2005 was Frank Rijkaard. Under his leadership, Barcelona won their second consecutive La Liga title and their second Champions League title in two years. Rijkaard is remembered as one of the most successful managers in Barcelona’s history and played an important role in shaping the team’s identity for years to come.