Antic set for Barcelona job

Yugoslav Radomir Antic will take over as coach of struggling Spanish first division giants Barcelona, a source close to the club said.

The former Atletico and Real Madrid coach replaces Dutchman Louis Van Gaal who left the post earlier this week after just eight months at the Nou Camp.

Carlos Rexach, sacked as Barcelona coach last May after they lost a Champions League semi-final to bitter rivals Real Madrid, had been appointed caretaker manager for the fifth time.

Antic's appointment is expected to be made official following a meeting of Barca's administrative council Friday afternoon, and he will have less than 24 hours to prepare for the team's Primera Liga game at Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona's recent slump in form leaves them 12th in the Spanish first division, without a win in their last three games, and face the prospect of finishing in the lower half of the table for the first time since 1942.

Barcelona have won all 10 of their Champions League matches this term but that was not enough for the Barca fans who called for van Gaal's head after last Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Celta Vigo left them 20 points adrift of leaders Real Sociedad.