"Whatever happens versus Atleti, Koeman will stay at Barca"

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed to the media waiting in front of the team hotel in Madrid that Ronald Koeman will continue being the coach.

Laporta admitted that Koeman will remain as Barca coach "whatever happens" ahead of the La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid this Saturday at the Wanda Metropolitano.

"Koeman will continue being the Barca coach whatever happens in the match versus Atletico Madrid," the Barca president said in an attempt to put an end to rumours which said that the Dutch boss would be dismissed after the encounter with Atletico.

"He's someone Barca fans look up to, he's a Barca supporter himself, you have to give him some confidence. He decided to become the coach in a moment which was extremely difficult for the club institutionally and on the pitch," Laporta commented.

A lot has been spoken about Koeman potentially being sacked following Saturday's game with Diego Simeone's men because of Barcelona's poor results. The Catalan giants were well beaten 3-0 by Benfica in the Champions League in midweek.

In fact, in the press conference ahead of the Atletico fixture, the topic was brought up and the Dutchman seemed visibly angry: "It seems like I'm already out..."

"The club haven't said anything to me, to be honest. I've found out that the president was here this morning, but I didn't see him. We were training, but I'm still the same. I've got eyes and ears and I know that lots of things get leaked. It's probably true, but once again, I haven't been told anything. I'm fed up of defending my work," Koeman said in his press conference.

 

October 2, 2021