Barcelona president does an about face with Ronald Koeman

Despite all the reports pointing to Ronald Koeman’s dismissal, Barcelona president Joan Laporta delivered a shock update when he confirmed, regardless of the result against Atletico Madrid, the Dutchman would stay on as manager.

Koeman’s future appeared to be sentenced following another Champions League debacle, losing 3-0 to Benfica. The team looked as listless against the Portuguese side as they did against Bayern Munich.

Laporta, alongside his board, held a meeting to discuss what to do with Koeman with news trickling out they would wait until the international break to sack him and give them enough time to find a replacement.

The Barcelona president is taking a huge risk sticking with Koeman.

Laporta offered a variety of reasons as to why he is sticking with Koeman and it undoubtedly came as a surprise to supporters who are fed up with the way things are going.

"“Ronald Koeman will continue as Barca coach, we feel he deserves a certain amount of confidence for many reasons,” Laporta said. “He’s a Barca fan, a reference for the supporters. He will continue and deserves some confidence.“Koeman loves Barca and decided to come at a really difficult moment for the club institutionally and sportingly. After speaking with him, I see he has faith in the team, above all when he gets the injured players back. He has a contract (until the summer) and we hope to get back to winning ways and playing well. I am sure he will do everything possible.”Source: ESPN"

This could all be posturing from Laporta and wanting to provide some assurance ahead of the Atletico Madrid match. A manager going into such an important game knowing he’s going to be hacked is not the best way to prepare.

However, Laporta’s words is filled with contradictions.

He said after speaking with Koeman that he has faith in the team. Time and time again, the manager has thrown shots at his squad saying they aren’t good enough to compete with better teams.

Another interesting piece was the mention of the contract. Paying off Koeman should he have been fired was deemed as a non-factor. With Laporta mentioning it, it appears that the money issue remains a concern.

It will be interesting to see how the team performs given Barcelona are likely to line up in a conservative 3-5-2 formation. A formation that has not worked in the occasions it’s been utilized. There is also the matter of a veteran player getting into an argument with Koeman midweek.

According to Sport, there was a discussion during halftime in the Benfica match. While it was nothing more than a discussion, it is yet another sign of the deteriorating relationship between the players and manager.

From the outside looking in, the lack of options is what is saving Koeman and hindering Laporta. Roberto Martinez and Marcelo Gallardo have declined as they have contracts with their respective clubs.

Laporta has reportedly sounded out Andrea Pirlo but the Italian needs time to think about it. Xavi Hernandez would like the job but Laporta continues to believe the former club legend lacks experience.

Ajax’s Erik ten Hag’s name popped up recently but he also has a contract and would be difficult to pry him away.

Another things is, aside from Xavi and Pirlo, why would any of the other managers mentioned want to come to a club in such a mess?

Barcelona is stuck with Koeman and Laporta shares some of the blame. He could have sacked him prior to the start of the season and started negotiations with some of the candidates. It is too late for that now and, if things continue as they are, it is Barcelona — both on the pitch and off — who will pay the consequences.