Koeman talks his future, Jordi Cruyff, Laporta ahead of Atletico Madrid clash

Ronald Koeman addressed the media for what could be his last pre-match press conference as the manager of FC Barcelona. The Dutchman has come under intense pressure after a poor start to the season across competitions. The loss to Benfica seems to be the final nail in his coffin.

The Dutchman starts off with an infamous phrase from Louis van Gaal’s last press conference as Barcelona coach, stirring up further controversy.

“Good morning, to my friends from the press.”

Unsurprisingly, the first question hurled at him was whether or not he would stay as the manager of the club. To this, Koeman laughed and said, “I’m still staying, yes.”

He then said that he was aware that his continuity depended on results and added that the club had not told him anything yet.

“I know that it always depends on the results; it is the most normal thing. My intention is to follow the plan. The club has not told me anything. I have found out that the president has come but I have not seen him.”

The Dutchman also acknowledged that he was aware of the talks going on and the filtering of reports regarding his future and possible departure.

“I have ears, eyes…I know that a lot of things are filtered and I suppose what is said is true.”

The next point covered in his press conference was that of following the plan in hand. He said the team was full of youngsters and that the return of key players in attack would help bolster the performance.

“We have to continue working as we are doing, changing things in the team. We finished the game with many young players, we are going to recover important people in the attack. We must follow this plan regardless of the results.”

Koeman then said that he was at his position only because of his love for the club.

“Everyone knows that I am here for the love of the club, in a very difficult situation.”

The coach’s relationship with Joan Laporta has been an ongoing talk for close to a month. The dynamic between the two is said to have gone completely cold after the Benfica game, and he refused to comment on the topic.

“My relationship with the President? I’m not going to answer this question.”

He then revealed his exhaustion at having to constantly defend his methods and ideas. Koeman said, “I am tired of defending myself. We have done important things, we have had and assumed changes in the club. I would like to speak one day and speak well about what I think.”

When asked if he felt a change of manager would do the team any good, the Dutch international said he did not know if it would benefit.

“I don’t know if another coach would do better… I don’t know. The squad is the one we have. We always talk about the system but the system is created by the type of players and if you don’t have wingers you have to look for full-backs.”

The manager then talked about Lionel Messi and how if it were up to him, the Argentine would still be at the club.

“If I had a bag of money, I would still have Messi here.”

Injuries in the forward line have been a constant feature of Barcelona’s campaign so far. That said, he was confident that the situation would improve once they returned to fitness.

“If we recover all the attackers we will have a strong squad and the youngsters are gaining their place.”

The manager then answered some quick questions about his situation and tenure as the manager.

On whether he had been disrespected: “I think it is not necessary to answer this question.”

On how he was: “I think it is not necessary to answer this question.”

On his best and worst moments at Barcelona: “Best – signing the contract to coach Barça; the worst – losing Messi.”

He then was asked about the balance in the team, to which he replied, “The squad is out of balance at the moment. There is a lack of available players.”

Effectiveness, according to the manager, was where Barcelona was lacking. Despite creating chances, he felt that the team were unable to capitalise.

“We lack effectiveness. And that is important. Atlético Madrid last year created fewer opportunities than us but they are a team capable of scoring. The other day we created up to four times. But we didn’t score.”

Koeman then clarified that Jordi Cruyff would not become the coach of Barcelona but refused to disclose more information.

“Jordi Cruyff has told me from the first day that he is not going to be the coach of FC Barcelona. I talk to him every day, what we talk about remains between us.”

He then once again complained about not having players who were influential in one vs one situation. Koeman commented, “Barça have a need for quality players in the one-on-one game. I think it’s important to create opportunities and score goals.”

The press conference concluded with the Dutchman strangely telling the journalists that they were “very important” .

Source: BarçaTV+