Independent from Atlético result
The writing had been on the wall—at least in the media—Ronald Koeman‘s days as FC Barcelona‘s head coach were counted. But now Barça boss Joan Laporta has strengthened Koeman’s position at the club. “No matter the result, Koeman will remain coach,” Laporta said ahead of the game against champions Atlético Madrid to reporters (cited by Barcawelt).
Laporta described the Dutchman, who from 1989 to 1995 played for the club and was part of Johan Cruyff‘s legendary squad as a club legend. The 58-year-old is the definition of Barcelonismo. “He is a Culé and deserves some trust.”
The club president also pointed out the injury crisis—Ousmane Dembélé, Pedri, Sergio Agüero, and Martin Braithwaite are currently out—and that players are now slowly coming back. Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati have just recovered from injuries.
Ronaldinho, Ibrahimovic & Co. – FC Barcelona’s record signings
20. Ronaldinho | 03/04 for 32,25 Mio. € from PSG
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Retired
18. Arda Turan | 15/16 for 34 Mio. € from Atlético
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Current market value: 800.000 €
18. Cesc Fàbregas | 11/12 for 34 Mio. € from Arsenal FC
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Current market value: 6,5 Mio. €
17. Dani Alves | 08/09 for 35,5 Mio. € from FC Sevilla
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Current market value: 1,6 Mio. €
16. Nélson Semedo | 17/18 for 35,7 Mio. € from Benfica
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Current market value: 35 Mio. €
14. Javier Saviola | 01/02 for 35,9 Mio. € from River Plate
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Retired
14. Clément Lenglet | 18/19 for 35,9 Mio. € from FC Sevilla
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Current market value: 40 Mio. €
13. André Gomes | 16/17 for 37 Mio. € from FC Valencia
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Current market value: 20 Mio. €
10. David Villa | 10/11 for 40 Mio. € from FC Valencia
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Retired
10. Marc Overmars | 00/01 for 40 Mio. € from Arsenal FC
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Retired
10. Paulinho | 17/18 for 40 Mio. € from Guangzhou Evergrande
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Current market value: 11 Mio. €
9. Malcom | 18/19 for 41 Mio. € from Bordeaux
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Current market value: 24 Mio. €
8. Miralem Pjanic | 20/21 für 60 Mio. € von Juventus Turin
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Current market value: 40 Mio. €
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | 09/10 for 69,5 Mio. € from Inter
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Current market value: 5 Mio. €
6. Luis Suárez | 14/15 for 81,72 Mio. € from Liverpool FC
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Current market value: 15 Mio. €
5. Frenkie de Jong | 19/20 for 86 Mio. € from Ajax Amsterdam
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Current market value: 65 Mio. €
4. Neymar | 13/14 for 88,2 Mio. € from FC Santos
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Current market value: 128 Mio. €
3. Antoine Griezmann | 19/20 for 120 Mio. € from Atlético
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Current market value: 60 Mio. €
2. Ousmane Dembélé | 17/18 for 130 Mio. € from BVB
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Current market value: 50 Mio. €
1. Philippe Coutinho | 17/18 for 145 Mio. € from Liverpool FC
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Current market value: 50 Mio. €
“He took over the club during an institutional and sporting crisis,” Laporta pointed out, underlining the difficult situation at the club. “I value that and after having spoken to him, I can see that he still carries the trust of the team.”
Koeman realizes that there have been “leaks” to the public
Koeman pointed out at the press conference ahead of the game that he is very much aware of the talks about his future. “A lot of things have been leaked to the public,” Koeman said. For example, that there has been a crisis meeting following the 0-3 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League. That meeting took place until 4 in the morning. The result of the meeting was that Koeman will be given the Atlético game as a last chance.
Potential Koeman replacements are Xavi, current Belgium head coach Roberto Martínez and former Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo. Former German national team coach Joachim Löw and Marcelo Gallardo from River Plate are also candidates. The newest candidate, according to a report by Catalunya Ràdio is Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
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