FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.04.2007 14:19

Rijkaard named Coach of the Year

Frank Rijkaard has been named as the Best Coach of 2006 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), while Ronaldinho and Rafael Márquez also both received awards.

The Dutchman was presented with the trophy at Camp Nou on Tuesday and stated that he wanted to share the honour with the rest of his coaching staff at the club. Alongside the Barça coach were Johann Neeskens, Eusebio Sacristán, Juan Carlos Unzué, Paco Seirul•lo and Albert Roca.

"We work as a unit," Rijkaard said of his staff. "It is for that reason that I dedicate the prize to those I work with at the club." Vice-president, Marc Ingla was also present as the extremely private team coach looked to take the spotlight off himself.

Rijkaard was named as the Coach of the Year at a ceremony on January 8 in Salzburg, but the award was not handed over until this week. Chelsea's José Mourinho came second, while Sevilla trainer Juande Ramos was third.

Ronaldinho and Márquez

During the ceremony at Barça's ground, IFFHS member José del Olmo presented Ronaldinho with award after he was named as the second best Playmaker of the Year award, behind Zinedine Zidane. The Brazilian was not present at the gathering as had a fever, that also saw him miss training, leaving Rijkaard to accept the trophy on his behalf. "He deserves this," Rijkaard said. "He is a great person and a great footballer. We are happy he is one of us." Márquez was handed a trophy after he was named as the third Most Popular Player by internet voters.

Moving on up

During his three years in charge of FC Barcelona, Frank Rijkaard has always finished in the top four of the IFFHS rankings. In 2004 he came fourth and a year later finished in fifth place. Last year saw him win the trophy after winning the Champions League, the Spanish title and the Spanish Super Cup.