Ronald Koeman was sacked by Barcelona after losing to Vallecano

Spanish soccer giants Barcelona have slammed manager Ronald Koeman, just hours after the team lost to Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga match on Wednesday night.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta made the announcement shortly after the 1-0 win over Vallecano.

Koeman has been penalized after being at the helm at the Nou Camp for 14 months following a series of poor results in which the team has scored just 15 points, with 10 Premier League appearances and two defeats in their Champions League group stage.

Barca are currently 9th in the league, 6 points behind leaders with Wednesday's win being the third of five matches.

The former manager of the Dutch national team, Everton and Southampton clubs led the five-time European champions to third place in the league last season.

Another team legend, Xavi, who plays for Al Sadd club in Qatar, has been offered a chance to become Koeman's successor.

Koeman, a former club player, is expected to bid farewell to the players on Thursday at the stadium

Ciutat Esportiva.