Ronald Koeman seems to fear his dismissal as coach of Barcelona. His position had been under pressure for weeks and, according to Spanish media, has become untenable after the 3-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. marca seems convinced of a quick dismissal and has even opened a live blog on the website to keep up with the latest developments regarding the possible forced departure of the Dutch coach.
After Barcelona lost the first group match in the Champions League without a chance against Bayern Munich (0-3), Koeman’s team lost against Benfica on Wednesday evening with the same figures. The punishment in Lisbon led to crisis consultations with the club management of Barça. The position of Koeman was discussed late into the night, according to the Spanish media.
President Joan Laporta addressed the Barcelona squad in the dressing room in Lisbon. Koeman was not present; he then spoke to the media. Laporta gave the players a heart and is said to have said he would fix the situation. Koeman’s name was not mentioned. Laporta then flew to Barcelona and spoke with board members Rafa Yuste, Mateu Alemany and Enric Masip about possible consequences. This consultation was not over at 4 a.m.
No decision has been made about Koeman’s future. According to Sport the club management does not want to make a hasty decision. However, the newspaper writes that Koeman’s credit has run out and his resignation seems inevitable. The dismissal may take place in the course of Thursday, or the away game against Atlético Madrid will be awaited next Saturday. Due to a suspension, Koeman is not on the bench and so he may have last stood along the line as a coach of Barcelona in Lisbon.
According to Spanish media, a new decisive meeting is scheduled for 2.30 pm. Reportedly, the club management is then discussing the possibility of firing Koeman and the feasibility of a new trainer is being looked at. Andrea Pirlo’s name sings in the corridors. The Italian has been available since his resignation from Juventus. Roberto Martínez (Belgium) and Xavi (Al-Sadd) have also been named as candidates to take over from Koeman.
After the defeat against Benfica, Koeman already seemed to fear for his job. “Everyone knows the problems of Barcelona. You can’t talk about Barcelona anymore as you can about the team of yesteryear. I feel supported by the players. By the club? I don’t know, I don’t know,” he said. RTL7. “And if the people within the club don’t recognize the situation, then it looks bad for me, yes,” the Dutchman agreed. By ‘the situation’ he was referring to the narrow selection and the many injuries of the club.