Football news - Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman says troubled La Liga giants have a future 'thanks to me'
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Updated 15/09/2021 at 10:27 GMT
“I’m open to staying. I’m just having a good time” - The Dutchman has claimed he is happy to stay at the Nou Camp despite speculation over his future and a percieved lack of support from club president Joan Laporta. "I like it when a president is committed and also asks questions. But that shouldn’t be in the press."
Ronald Koeman intends to stay at Barca
Image credit: Getty Images
Ronald Koeman has defended his reign as head coach of Barcelona, claiming that the club is in a better position because of him ahead of their crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.
The Blaugrana boss revealed all in an interview with Dutch outlet NOS, responding to comments by club President Joan Laporta stating that he would be open to renewing Koeman’s contract only if certain criteria were met.
“That...suggests that the trainer does not have full power”, Koeman said on Sunday.
“He [Laporta] said a little too much. That is best done in private. I like it when a president is committed and also asks questions. But that shouldn’t be in the press, that was the problem.”
It is not the first time the complex relationship between the pair has come to light, as Laporta reportedly considered replacing Koeman at the end of last season after a disappointing campaign which saw Barcelona finish seven points behind eventual champions Atletico Madrid.
However, Koeman believes that he had the backing he needed.
“Around the president I had the feeling that everyone was completely behind me. Players, the rest of the staff and the other board members.”
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Laporta and Koeman
Image credit: Getty Images
In what could potentially spark a reaction from Culers supporters, Koeman then said thanks to him, “this club has a future”, and is keen on continuing at Camp Nou.
“I’m open to staying. I’m just having a good time,” the 58-year-old added.
Barcelona currently sit 7th place in La Liga, three points off table-topping Real Madrid with a game in hand on their rivals. La Blaugrana have two wins and one draw from their three league matches.
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