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Uncertainty surrounding Koeman’s Barcelona future

By Ernesto Hernandez

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Ronald Koeman, head coach of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Granada CF at Camp Nou on April 29, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Ronald Koeman, head coach of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Granada CF at Camp Nou on April 29, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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This season has been one of turmoil for Barcelona considering everything that happened prior to the start of the season.

Ronald Koeman was entering his first season as manager in less than enviable circumstances. To his credit, he’s turned around the side considering how things started out.

However, recent performances have made the club’s title chances remote. As a result, his continuity is now in doubt.

According to ESPN, the Barcelona board has growing doubts regarding Koeman’s permanence and could be looking to make a change ahead of next season.

Despite winning the Copa del Rey and being involved in squad planning, some directors believe long-term, Koeman’s style of play does not fit with the club. The report also claims that Laporta was left angered after Barcelona’s failure to beat Granada and go top of the league.

More good than bad from Barcelona under Koeman

No one can argue that Koeman has improved the Catalan side. They were left reeling following the 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and he’s righted the ship so to speak.

At the same time, his quirks and game management has ruffled some feathers.

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His vendetta, for lack of a better word, against Riqui Puig has also left a lot of people scratching their heads given how well Puig played in the latter part of last season and in his limited playing time this season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta supported Koeman during, and after, the election. But it’s been a while since he’s made any sort of statement regarding the manager’s future.

Koeman appears to feel secure as he signed a two-year deal. Though that was under former president Josep Maria Bartomeu. He knows anything can happen.

"“The president has shown confidence in me since day one,” Koeman said. “After this season we’ll talk about the future.“But I signed a two-year deal as manager and I see myself here next year. If not, then the president will speak. We’re set to talk at the end of the season. If anyone can decide my future, it is him.”Source: Sport"

One aspect playing against Koeman is the team’s record against direct opponents and in high profile games. With the exception of Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final, the Catalans have come up short against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and against Juventus and PSG in the Champions League.

With three games left in the season, Koeman and Barcelona are depending on outside help in their chase for the title.

No decision regarding his future will be made until the end of the season. The club’s financial situation is undoubtedly going to play a role in whether or not they can afford to fire him.

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Should they make the decision to part ways, some of the candidates who could replace him are former club legend Xavi Hernandez and Barça B boss Garcia Pimienta.

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