Eusebio Sacristán is back at the club where he has already enjoyed two golden eras, first as a player under Johan Cruyff and later as an assistant coach to Frank Rijkaard.
The romance between Barça and Eusebio dates back to 1988, when Barça signed this young midfielder
born in La Seca (Valladolid) from Atlético Madrid. His pleasant nature and humility quickly won
over the Camp Nou, where Johan Cruyff made good use of his skill, regularity and versatility.
403 games and loads of titles
In his seven seasons in the Barça first team, Eusebio Sacristán played 403 games and scored
39 goals. His major successes with the Dream Team were four Ligas, one European Cup, one European
Supercup, one Cup Winners Cup, one Copa de Rey and three Spanish Supercups. And it was he who was
on the receiving end of the foul that would then be converted by Koeman to win the European final
at Wembley.
Back as coach
Eusebio ended his playing career at Valladolid and then became a coach. He was an
assistant to Frank Rijkaard for the five seasons the Dutchman was at the club (2003-2008). Yet more
titles came: two more Ligas, another Champions League, this time in Paris, and two Spanish
Supercups.
Manager of Celta and Barça TV presenter
When Rijkaard left, Eusebio went on to become head coach of Celta in 2009, where he stayed
for a season and a half in the second division and made a name for himself by promoting several
young players from the Galician outfit’s youth system. He then worked as a commentator on
Barça TV. And now he back in active football as manager of the B team.