Ronald Koeman says he prefers ‘Austrian wonderkid’ over ‘La Masia gem’

Ronald Koeman provided an interesting anecdote in his press conference following Barcelona’s season-opening victory against Real Sociedad, where he explicitly voiced his support for new arrival Yusuf Demir, while straightaway voicing his lack of preference for Alex Collado.

“10 days ago Collado was about to go to Belgium and now I prefer to have Demir ahead,” stated the Dutch coach, alluding to Collado’s impending move to Club Brugge, which took a u-turn after Lionel Messi departed.

Koeman’s blunt nature comes as no surprise, as he has been harsh and firm during his Barcelona tenure ever since arriving. The first player to bear the brunt of Koeman’s lack of favour was Riqui Puig, and now Collado looks like he is next.

While the Austrian sensation Demir is an incredible talent and must be part of the first team, Koeman’s ostracism of Collado may be a tad too harsh, since he was not giving the La Masia winger any minutes and he was only leaving due to an overbooking of forwards in the first-team.

His agenda towards Puig is well-known by now and one can only help but wonder if he is taking the right approach toward his judgement of players.

Alex Collado may have to once again reconsider his decision to stay, and perhaps quickly look for alternatives before the transfer window ends. It is difficult to see him get any minutes this season.

While he does have suitors and destinations where he can add value, it is a shame to see such a gifted player not get any preference at his home club.