Barcelona Part Ways With Abidal As Technical Secretary

Eric Abidal has left his role as Barcelona technical secretary, the club confirmed on Tuesday as the fallout continues from Friday’s 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Abidal’s departure comes less than 24 hours after coach Quique Setien was dismissed, with sources telling ESPN that Ronald Koeman will be named as his replacement imminently.
Ramon Planes, already at the club, will step into the role of technical secretary for now. He has been Abidal”s No. 2 for the past two years.
“Barcelona and Abidal have reached an agreement for the ending of the contract that united the two parties,” a short statement read.
“The club would publicly like to thank him for his professionalism, commitment, dedication and the close and positive nature of his relationship with all aspects of the Blaugrana family.”
Abidal was only appointed to the role in 2018, but his position has grown increasingly insecure following a public spat with Lionel Messi in February.
The former France international, who played alongside Messi at Camp Nou, had been brought in to help bridge the gap between the boardroom and the dressing room.
However, cracks appeared when he suggested the players were to blame for Ernesto Valverde’s sacking in January, as they had not been working hard enough.
Messi hit back in a post on social media, asking Abidal to name names and to take on some responsibility for his own decisions.
Results on the pitch and a first trophyless season since 2007-08 have served to further weaken his position, leading to his exit on Tuesday. (ESPN)