Xavi has responded to recent statements by Ronald Koeman. The Dutch trainer criticized chairman Joan Laporta this week, of whom he did not feel full confidence in his time at Barcelona. In the run-up to the home game against Real Mallorca, his successor Xavi reacted to Koeman’s statements. “I’m not going to change Ronald’s feelings, I wasn’t there,” said the Barcelona coach.
On Thursday, Koeman spoke to the Spanish press during the opening of the so-called Koeman Cup, a golf tournament whose proceeds benefit the Cruyff Foundation. “A lot has happened: the coronavirus, a time without a president, I had to answer all kinds of questions, couldn’t bring in the players we wanted, Lionel Messi left overnight, on the last day of the transfer market Antoine went Griezmann gone”, the Dutchman summed up the problems he encountered at the Spanish club. When asked about the current situation at the top Spanish club, Koeman said: “The current situation in Barcelona is the same as when I was a coach. A new trainer does not always mean progress.”
Koeman speaks extensively with the Spanish press: “He is a certainty for the the Dutch”
Ronald Koeman said he did not feel Joan Laporta’s confidence this week.
“I don’t want this statement to be interpreted as a criticism of Xavi. I just hope that Xavi gets the support from the president that I didn’t have,” the ex-Barcelona coach explained. “Everyone knows the life of a coach: if things don’t go the way the club would like, they can kick you out. But the chairman left me in doubt. Off the record he said he had doubts about me. That is not good. Inside you have to have clear discussions, but outside you have to defend the trainer. Otherwise it will be even more complicated”, Koeman was clear about what he thinks of Laporta’s behavior.
Xavi does not want to say too much about the statements. “I can’t change Ronald’s feelings and I don’t know what kind of support he has received. I wasn’t there and can’t comment on this. I have the utmost respect and immense admiration for the work and effort he has put in. He is a cule and has made an enormous effort to bring out the best in this club.” The Spaniard was clear about his own situation. “I certainly feel the support of the club.” True Barcelona seemed to be well on track for a long time under Xavi’s reign, the results have been disappointing lately with three defeats in the last four matches. “It seemed like we had found the right key, but suddenly there were three defeats. It is now up to me and the players to stand up.”
Frankie = ??
In the lost home game against Rayo Vallecano (0-1), Frenkie de Jong was substituted after an hour… and he was clearly not happy about that ??#ZiggoSport #LaLiga #BarcaRayo pic.twitter.com/Tc5WNE3mAP— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) Apr 25, 2022
The former Barcelona player was also asked about the performance of Frenkie de Jong. The trainer says he had a ‘very good conversation’ with the Dutchman. He made the early substitution of De Jong: Xavi overtook De Jong last Sunday in the home game against Rayo Vallecano after an hour, after which the frustrated midfielder threw his shin guards. “It was clear that the substitution frustrated him. He has calmed down after our conversation. De Jong has played excellent matches, but he has to be consistent. He has a player with qualities to make a difference. He is an important player for now and for the future.”