Barcelona coach Ernesto Koeman will remain, according to Josep Maria Laporta.
Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, surprised everyone on Saturday by announcing that Ronald Koeman would remain the club’s coach indefinitely.
Barca manager Ronald Koeman is under increasing pressure at Camp Nou, where they are currently eighth in LaLiga and are winless in their first two Champions League games.
Prior to Sunday’s matchup with Atletico Madrid, the Barcelona coach delivered a fiery press conference on Friday and accused the club of showing a lack of respect by leaking rumors regarding his future.
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Nevertheless, Laporta sought to dispel speculation about the future of the coach on Saturday, saying: “In our opinion, Ronald Koeman deserves a certain degree of trust for a variety of reasons and will be Barcelona’s coach going forward. Among the club’s followers, he’s known as a spokesman. He’ll keep going, and that’s something we should have faith in.
“Koeman adores Barca and chose to join at a time when the club was going through a lot of changes, both institutionally and athletically. As a result of our conversation, I believe he believes in the team’s potential, especially after the injured players return. Because he’s under contract through the summer, we’re confident he’ll help us win games and perform well again. I have no doubt he will go to great lengths to help.
“We can all understand the frustration, as the club is struggling to produce results. However, I urge the fans to have some faith in the coach, as he deserves it, and to have faith in this team, as they will be much more competitive once everyone is well.
“I’ve talked to him about it and have my own opinions now. He took control of the club in a time that I treasure. It’s not true that our relationship is frigid, because we communicated. Our partnership is solid and trustworthy. He’s a decent guy, and I believe he shares my views on life. Every one of us is making an effort to make things better in this situation.
Regardless of the outcome, “he has a certain measure of confidence.”
ESPN has already heard from sources who say that Koeman has been retained due to a lack of viable alternatives.
Following the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Benfica, the club, according to ESPN, has now stepped up their search for a replacement.
A shortlist that includes former Barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez and Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has been expanded to include former Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo and River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo, according to sources.
In Koeman’s first season as Barcelona coach, the club won the Copa del Rey and finished third in LaLiga.
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