Koeman comments on tenuous Barcelona position
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman was once again in the firing line after the Blaugrana suffered a shock defeat against high-flying Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish capital tonight.
It was the first time Barcelona suffered defeat against Rayo since 2002, throwing fresh questions about just how long Koeman had left in Catalunya at the Camp Nou.
Will he see out the season? https://t.co/YVfhwOC35v
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) October 27, 2021
In quotes provided by Spanish outlet MARCA, the Dutchman said he did not know if his position was under threat or not in the wake of the sixth time the club have dropped points in La Liga out of ten fixtures played;
“I don’t know if my job is at risk. The situation is circumstantial. We have players who can score goals, it may be that we have a weaker midfield, but I can’t complain about the team.
It was tough for us to get a grip on the game, they put us under a lot of pressure, and were able to hold out. The result isn’t fair, but it is what it is and we can’t change it now.
They might have a more balanced squad, maybe they have better physiques than we do. We’ve shown we can play but being at a good level isn’t enough.
It’s incredible that we lost this game. There are a lot of games to come, and I’m concerned about how effective we are, but not about the way we play. We created a lot and played well, but that counts for nothing in Spain. It’s better if I don’t say anything.”
Dutchman on the brink of facing the sack
But according to journalist Tancredi Palmeri, Koeman is very much on the verge of being sacked from his current managerial position at Barça.
Ronald Koeman has never been closer to be sacked than tonight.
What is keeping him at Barcelona still is solely that Laporta has no clear decision on who to hire after him.
Xavi still the strongest candidate
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) October 27, 2021
Truthfully, no one can blame Barcelona if they did part ways with the former Barcelona midfielder given how the club has performed on the pitch despite parting ways with Lionel Messi in the summer. But claims by Palmeri that Koeman remains in his position for no other reason than being unable to choose the best candidate to replace him is perhaps even more frustrating for the Barça fanbase.
While he claims Xavi still remains the strongest candidate, Barcelona have been linked with a host of names from Erik ten Hag to Antonio Conte.
Regardless, if the club are looking to get back on track both at home and abroad in a campaign that is teetering on the brink of spiraling out of control, the club must either staunchly back Koeman (and deal with whatever consequences occur) or replace him as soon as possible before the hammer hits the nail.
Game over for Ronald Koeman at Barcelona. Emergency meeting with Laporta and board after Rayo game. Statement expected soon as per Sport. 🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2021
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Barcelona board tonight have made the decision to call an emergency meeting, with the Italian journalist claiming that the bell has tolled for Koeman at the Camp Nou after one too many poor results so early on in 2021-22.
This has since been confirmed by the club.
FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2021
With it looking even more likely that the club will part ways with the former Dutch international, it is fair to suggest that club president Joan Laporta has chosen who he hopes to replace Ronald Koeman with at the earliest possible convenience.
