Video: Even Koeman’s assistant is frustrated with Barcelona’s tactics

Reports over the last week claimed that Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman had lost the dressing room with some of the players being baffled by his tactics. It seems like their feelings may be echoed by some of Koeman’s staff members as well.

The Dutchman was handed a two-match touchline ban last month which meant he was watching from the stands as Barcelona capitulated to another defeat against Atletico Madrid this past weekend.

In his stead, assistant manager Henrik Larsson and goalkeeping coach Jose De la Fuente were in charge in the dugout, with the 58-year-old passing on instructions from the stands.

And, recently, a clip has emerged on social media, in which it becomes apparent that the coaching staff are also puzzled and frustrated by some of Koeman’s decisions and game management.

With Barcelona trailing 2-0 on the night and needing goals, the ex-Netherlands boss made a baffling substitution late in the game, subbing off Sergino Dest for Clement Lenglet in the left-back slot, when he had a fit Jordi Alba at his disposal.

What exactly do we make of this? pic.twitter.com/oMGP8RnOt4

— TalkFCB © (@talkfcb_) October 4, 2021

While the Spaniard, who had just returned from injury, was away warming up, Lenglet was being prepped to come on. When he came to Larsson and De la Fuente to enquire what happened, the duo frustratingly wave him off to sit on the bench.

Alba then asks the duo as to why he wasn’t sent on to which De la Fuente points upwards to the stands and then to his ears, indicating that it was Koeman who had made the call, much to the chagrin of the player, as well as Larsson, who was clearly unhappy as well.

Koeman has come under serious pressure of late, with Barcelona having won just one of their last six games in all competitions. However, president Joan Laporta has decided to back the Dutchman. But, with him seemingly starting to lose the dressing room as well as the support of his own staff, things could come to a head very soon.