Robson, Ferrer, Bow Out With Spanish Cup Final
- By Unknown
- Jun. 30 1997 00:00
Neither has confirmed where he will be at the start of next season, but it is widely expected that they will be working together at Barcelona.
Robson announced Thursday that he would not continue as Barcelona's first-team coach.
Rumors persist that, as he has an expensive two-year contract, he will stay at the Catalan club and become general manager, with Ajax Amsterdam coach Louis van Gaal coming in to fill the former England manager's present position.
Serra Ferrer announced on June 20 that he would stay with Real Betis only 10 more days after a disagreement with club president Miguel Ruiz de Lopera.
He is also expected to find employment at Camp Nou, probably as reserve team coach. Ruiz de Lopera was said to have demanded that Serra Ferrer sign an agreement not to move to Barcelona.
Robson started his year in Barcelona being reviled by pundits for his unspectacular but effective tactics and his import of foreign players at the expense of talented products of the Barcelona youth system. However, in recent weeks -- in the wake of Barcelona's European Cup Winners's Cup triumph, making the final of the Copa del Rey and a strong second-place finish in the league -- even his harshest critics have grudgingly admitted that they were wrong.
By contrast, public opinion has run against Serra Ferrer. His former god-like status in Andalusia has been severely diminished after his recent discussions with Barcelona.
Despite their imminent departures, both men are determined to leave their present jobs on a winning note.
"I know it's going to be my last game on the bench of the first team and it is very important for me to say goodbye with a win," Robson said.