Official: Koeman continues one more year

Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, ​​announced after 6:30 p.m. that Ronald Koeman will continue at Barça next season: “I announce that, after this period of reflection that we had set with the coach, a period in which we analyzed the end of last season, we are continuing Koeman's contract, which is in force, and we are satisfied that these conversations have resulted in unification of criteria, because they have been frank and direct. Finding a solution to divergences that we could have leads us to say that we have put 1 in the pool. I have seen Koeman motivated, excited and with the utmost demand that it will be a good season. “Laporta's statement confirms that the president was not able to find any replacement and that despite giving the current coach a period of two weeks to stay For a while, he has finally been forced to give continuity to the Dutchman.

“The football part, beyond the conversations with Rafa Yuste and Mateu Alemany, is not our thing. We have talked about philosophical things and mentality. We wanted to collect the mentality of the boardmates. I have seen a very hopeful Koeman, very convinced . I had the need to have a personal relationship with Koeman, as I had with Rijkaard and Guardiola “. Laporta also announced that Koeman's contract will not be extended for now. And, for now, the tab will not be lowered: “He has already made an effort. He knows the circumstances in which we find ourselves and he helps. What concerns us is to reinforce the squad we have.”

Laporta denied that Barça had not fired Koeman due to lack of liquidity: “It is not true. In the event that we wanted to liquidate the contract, we would have done it. But the reflection period was not there. Barça, if they want to anticipate a contract ahead of time, can do it. We see Koeman motivated, he has also a year of experience and I think it comes out strengthened. Here everyone can see it as they consider. I see the glass full and with great force to Koeman, because it is ratified by the Board of Directors.