Ronald Koeman signed a two-year contract with Barcelona when he replaced Quique Setien in the hot seat back in August but is now under growing pressure amid a tumultuous 2020-21 campaign.
Barcelona will have problems without Koeman
Ronald Koeman turned to the ongoing speculation about his position at the Camp Nou, insisting that Barcelona “will have problems” if he doesn’t have a future at the club. Koeman signed a two-year contract with Barcelona when he replaced Quique Setien in the hot seat back in August but is now under growing pressure amid a tumultuous 2020-21 campaign. It has been speculated that the Dutchman could lose his job when the next president of the club is elected later this month. And he has now admitted that he is not sure if he will be allowed to remain in charge through to 2022. “I haven’t spoken to anyone. We must wait to see who comes in as president and his plan,” Koeman said.
The Dutch coach feels terrible for Bartomeu and Oscar Grau
“If I don’t see an important future for me, we are going to have problems because I have one more year on my contract”. Off the pitch, questions dominated the headlines at the Camp Nou this week following a raid on the club’s offices over the ‘Barcagate’ case. Former President Josep Maria Bartomeu has been arrested on Monday as part of an investigation into the case. Although he has now been released, Koeman has been left shaken by the whole case. “When the news came out, I was screwed because I know Bartomeu well, and also Oscar Grau,” he said. “I feel terrible for them, and I had important moments with them. Bartomeu has always been an exceptional person for me”. Koeman is currently preparing his squad for the Copa del Rey semi-final return match against Sevilla, where they will be bidding to eliminate a 2-0 aggregate deficit.
Barça are also on the verge of being knocked out of Europe after losing the first leg of their last-16 UEFA Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain 4-1, but their LaLiga form has improved lately. Barcelona moved up to second after beating Sevilla 2-0 over the weekend. And Koeman remains challenging in the face of adversity. “In all the clubs, there are difficult and complicated moments. A lot has indeed happened this season, but we are happy and fighting to win things,” he added. “The main thing is the field and the games. I am in a better place for me, knowing what the problems are. Until the last day, I will give my best for Barça, whether it is another year or five.”