Jordi Cruyff made a second plea to Barcelona president Joan Laporta not to sack Ronald Koeman on Wednesday night.

The sporting director had managed to dissuade Laporta from sacking Koeman three weeks ago, earning his fellow Dutchman a reprieve.

After defeat at Rayo Vallecano, Cruyff tried again to convince Laporta to give the coach more time.

However, Laporta's mind had been made up and after consulting director Rafa Yuste informed Koeman of his dismissal while in flight back to Barcelona.

A key to Laporta's decision was a fear the team was slipping away from the Champions League places, with the Catalans now in ninth position on the table.