Barcelona openly refuses to express its support for Ronald Koeman. Enric Masip, advisor to chairman Joan Laporta, was TV3 the question of whether the Dutchman would soon be fired. “I’m not going to say yes or no,” Masip emphasized on the Catalan television channel. “He has been given the confidence to coach Barcelona. But when you see that things aren’t working, it’s normal to have doubts.”
With seven points from three matches, Barcelona had started the new season reasonably to well prior to the international match. However, this was followed by a hopeless 0-3 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a 1-1 draw at home against Granada. Although Laporta also recognizes that Barcelona suffers from a lack of quality, the chairman is said to be mainly concerned about the way of playing under Koeman and the fact that he does not want to give certain players more playing time.
Just like earlier this year, Xavi’s name is again mentioned as a possible new coach of Barcelona. Masip does not shy away from his name. “The reference of the chairman has always been Johan Cruijff. For example, you have trainers like Josep Guardiola and Xavi. Laporta has always said that one day Xavi will train for Barcelona.” Xavi was already involved in the election campaign for the presidency in March. However, he extended his contract as a trainer with Qatari Al Sadd in the spring until mid-2023.
Masip acknowledges that the debt of more than a billion euros means that the best players in the world no longer come to Barcelona. “In April we were almost unable to pay the salaries. The board has closed holes, instead of being able to build for the future. The fans have to be patient and trust that we can rectify the situation. We are like a patient on de ic But we are ‘Barça’, one should not forget that”, concludes the advisor with a warning.
Koeman emphasizes this week in conversation with Football International his relationship with Laporta is now fine. “There have been things, but as grown men we have talked them out and then you move on. That is how it works. Besides, I’ve known him for a long time, haven’t I. Laporta is actually a very pleasant man with whom you can enjoy a glass of wine. But he is also a supporter. The financial problems of the club affect him, he wants the best for the club. Me too, so that’s where we found each other.”
However, Koeman does not know for how long and he also made these statements in the run-up to the duel with Granada. “For as long as we win. I know how it works, but it is in these kinds of difficult situations that I get the best out of myself and the team.”