Ronald Koeman is looking forward to the moment when the new president of Barcelona is known. The trainer responded slightly agitated to questions about his future at the superpower on Friday afternoon. In recent days, rumors have been circulating in Spain that Xavi or Mikel Arteta would be ready to succeed Koeman.
“People and the media like to drop names to create controversy,” said Koeman. RAC1 came on Sunday evening with the message that Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, would be on the wish list of presidential candidate Joan Laporta, while Xavi is explicitly mentioned as a trainer candidate of Víctor Font, who is also vying for the presidency. “For me it is important not to get annoyed by those rumors and to focus on the team and the games ahead,” said Koeman. “So I don’t care if I hear names like Xavi or others.”
The presidential elections in Barcelona are on Sunday. Koeman hopes it will bring the club into calmer waters. “This weekend a new president will finally be elected and he will make decisions. I will talk to him. I am tired of these kinds of questions and have been for a long time. Having a president at a club like Barcelona is so important. because it’s the biggest club in the world, so it’s important to know the future plans, whether it’s my future, the team or to improve things. “
The team spirit
Barcelona managed to reach the final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, by winning the return match against Sevilla 3-0 after extra time. Koeman is very satisfied with his team’s performance recently. “What makes me proud is the atmosphere within the team. I saw on Wednesday that everyone, the entire selection, celebrated the goals together. Even the substitutes, who of course were disappointed that they did not play. I love that: a selection that radiates unity. I also feel that the supporters feel connected to the team. “
System with five defenders
Koeman opted for a five-man defense in the last two games, but will have to puzzle a visit to Osasuna on Saturday evening to get to five defenders again. Gerard Piqué has been injured from Wednesday’s cup match, while Ronald Araujo has also not recovered in time. “We could go on with three center-backs, but I’m not obsessed with a system,” said Koeman. “The most important thing is the attitude of the players. We have improved a lot in pressing and winning balls.”
Title opportunities
Barcelona is five points behind leader Atlético Madrid in LaLiga, which has also played one game less. Real Madrid as number three has as many points as Barça and will visit Atlético on Sunday. Koeman does not want to say too much about Barça’s title chances. “It is important to win against Osasuna tomorrow, also because it is Atlético against Real Madrid on Sunday and one of the two or both teams will lose points. But we have to remain realistic. Atlético still has a lot more points, though. there are still a lot of duels to go. We cannot afford any more defeat. “