“He Spoke a Little Too Much:”-Barcelona Manager Ronald Koeman Opens Up on Issues With President Joan Laporta

FC Barcelona’s fall from grace has been painful to watch. From one of the perennial powerhouses of European football which was instrumental in shaping the way the modern game is played, the Catalonian club have been reduced to the laughing stock of football. Moreover, losing Lionel Messi added fuel to the fire that is the club’s situation. Now, former Barcelona icon Ronald Koeman is trying hard to steady the ship. After the much-maligned Josep Bartomeu left his position, Joan Laporta came in as president to solve the club’s finances. But, things are not looking bright for the club. Significantly, Koeman’s remarks in a recent interview state the problems are not over yet.

Even though there are no reports of a rift between these two personalities, hostilities still arise.

Ronald Koeman remarks on Laporta

In a recent interview with NOS, manager Koeman spoke about the little tensions existing between him and the president.

“Has my relationship with Laporta improved? It has improved. But last week there was something going on, which I think it’s not done. Laporta was suggesting that the manager doesn’t have the full power. He spoke a little too much.”

“Laporta wasn’t being wise at 2 moments. But he corrected himself again. We are also in contact about a new contract now. Thanks to me, this club has a future,” said Koeman.

There is an air of haughtiness with Koeman’s comments. It is quite evident from his statements made. Meanwhile, there are reports that Laporta is disappointed with Koeman’s comments on the situation. As it stands, the club is only regressing with these internal strifes and disputes.

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Barcelona’s problems continue

Where this elite club finds itself now is beyond belief. Spending extravagant transfer fees on players like Dembele and Coutinho, or spending over-the-top wages on fringe players has caused the club to reach this situation. Despite their reputation amongst the soccer community, the club looks to be in big trouble.

Players are not thrilled while the club faces a financial debt of €1.35 billion as their net worth now stands at negative €451m. Moreover, the club spends around 102% of its income on players’ wages.

Even though there are players like Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay amongst their ranks, the club lacks a superstar, and Messi’s departure will take its toll on shirt sales and sponsorship deals. Thus, Koeman and the upper-management have their work cut out for them.

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