Barcelona mourns the death of Tonny Bruins Slot, who was 73 years old. The Dutchman was the third coach of the famous Dream Team, an assistant with knowledge and charisma who complemented the roles of Johan Cruyff and Carles Rexach at the head of one of the best teams in the history of Barça. He has been battling cancer since 2016.
We regret to announce the loss of Toni Bruins Slot (73 years old), who was Johan Cruyff’s assistant in his time as coach of FC Barcelona. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/wS096bjt5O
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) November 2, 2020
Bruins arrived at Barça in 1988 at the hands of Cruyff, who entrusted him with tasks of scouting and reports from rival teams. They worked together at Ajax (1985-1988) and then took over the Barça team from 1988 to 1995. After finishing his time in Barcelona, he coached in the lower categories of PSV Eindhoven. In 1998 he returned to Ajax, with which he had won an Eredivisie as interim coach (1985). He repeated this function 19 years later. His experience led him to call up Ronald Koeman, whom he had coached at Barça, to help him at Benfica, Valencia and AZ Alkmaar. The current Barça coach had a very good relationship with him.
Beyond his affable character and his knowledge for the good management of sports groups, Barça will always remember the open hand of Bruins Slot at the beginning of 1994, the day that Barça made it 5-0 at the Camp Nou at Real Madrid. This was his reaction, addressing a dedicated audience, when Iván Iglesias completed the thrashing against the eternal rival.
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