Joan Laporta released a new video message for Barcelona supporters on Tuesday evening. The president of the Spanish top club asks fans to stand behind the team regardless of the outcome of the next two games against Cadiz and Levante. Furthermore, Laporta says that the Barcelona board “knows what needs to be done”.
“Hello fans, I ask you to continue to support the team. The team needs you and is grateful to you. You know we are going through difficult times and these are the moments when you have to stand behind us,” Laporta begins his video message, which is being circulated through Barcelona’s social media channels. After the 0-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the disappointing 1-1 draw against Granada, there is great unrest around Barcelona and the position of coach Ronald Koeman.
Thank you for supporting our team, culers. I ask you to continue doing it. We know what needs to be done to solve this situation. We are Barca. pic.twitter.com/8k94CvM5CW
— Joan Laporta Estruch?? (@JoanLaportaFCB) September 21, 2021
“You can be sure that the team in Cadiz will do everything they can to win,” said Laporta. Barcelona will visit Cádiz on Thursday evening, after which a home game against Levante awaits on Sunday afternoon. “We don’t know what will happen, but despite the result in Cadiz, I ask you to stay behind the team in the next game against Levante. The team needs you. Try to stay calm. We know what needs to be done and we will solve it. thank you and Visca El Barca.”
At the moment, the chair legs of Koeman are explicitly sawn. Goal Even reported on Tuesday that the Barcelona board has already decided to fire the trainer soon. The big question is only when is the right time to confirm Koeman’s departure. Barcelona has not yet found a successor and given the busy schedule, the Dutchman will stay put for the time being, it sounded like.
Laporta made it clear in May that Koeman, who was appointed by his predecessor Josep Maria Bartomeu, was not his favorite trainer. Last summer, Laporta already wanted to say goodbye to Koeman, but there were no financial resources at the time. According to Goal and ESPN Roberto Martínez tops the list of both Laporta and Jordi Cruyff, Barça’s technical adviser. Xavi’s name is also singing around, but Al-Sadd’s current trainer is reportedly not Laporta’s favorite at the moment.