Barcelona FC is one of the most successful football clubs in the world. Their illustrious history is filled with many great coaches who have led the team to glory. One such coach was in charge of the club in 2004, and his name is Frank Rijkaard.
Frank Rijkaard: The man behind Barcelona’s resurgence
Frank Rijkaard was appointed as the head coach of Barcelona FC in 2003, after a period of turmoil for the club. He took over from Radomir Antic and was tasked with bringing back success to a team that had not won any major trophies for two years.
Rijkaard was a former Dutch international player who had previously coached Sparta Rotterdam and the Dutch national team. He brought with him a wealth of experience and tactical knowledge that would prove crucial to Barcelona’s future success.
The 2003-04 season
Rijkaard’s first season at Barcelona was not an easy one. The team struggled to find their form and consistency, and they finished second in La Liga behind Valencia CF. They were also knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Chelsea in the round of 16.
However, there were signs that Rijkaard was building something special at Barcelona. He had introduced a new style of play that emphasized possession football and attacking flair. He also gave opportunities to young players like Lionel Messi, who would go on to become one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
The turnaround
In Rijkaard’s second season at Barcelona, things started to click into place. The team won their first ten games in La Liga and went on to win the title comfortably ahead of Real Madrid.
They also reached the final of the UEFA Champions League, where they faced Arsenal FC. After going a goal down early on, Barcelona fought back to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti. It was their first Champions League triumph in 14 years.
In conclusion
Frank Rijkaard’s tenure as Barcelona coach from 2003 to 2008 was a highly successful one. He won two La Liga titles, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa del Rey during his time at the club. His legacy is still felt at Barcelona today, as many of the players he brought through went on to become club legends.
So, if you were wondering who was Barcelona coach in 2004, now you know that it was Frank Rijkaard. His impact on the club cannot be overstated, and he will always be remembered as one of Barcelona’s greatest coaches.