Tag: Ronald Koeman

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BARCELONA FIRES RONALD KOEMAN AFTER RAYO VALLECANO DEFEAT

Barcelona sacked head coach Ronald Koeman on Wednesday following their 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano, the La Liga club said.

“FC Barcelona has relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties as first team coach. The president of the club, Joan Laporta, informed him of the decision after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano,” said the club in a statement.

“Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad on Thursday at the Ciutat Esportiva,” it said. “FC Barcelona wishes to thank him for his service to the Club and wishes him all the best in his professional career.”

Barca are in ninth spot in La Liga with 15 points in 10 matches.

Wednesday’s sacking came after the team lost against Real Madrid on Sunday.

The former Netherlands boss, 58, was sacked after 14 months in charge with 39 wins, 12 draws and 16 losses in his 67 matches. He also won the 2021 Copa del Rey.

According to local media, Barcelona’s former midfielder Xavi Hernandez is reportedly the strongest candidate to replace Koeman.

Earlier this month, the club supported manager Koeman despite disappointing results.

“Regardless of the result, Koeman will continue to be the coach of Barca. He has got a contract in place,” Barcelona President Laporta told reporters on Oct. 2.

Koeman was one of the most important football players of his generation, appearing as a defender for Dutch clubs Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord and Barcelona.

He won a European Champion Clubs’ Cup and a UEFA Super Cup triumph with Barcelona and one more European Champion Clubs’ Cup with PSV during his playing career.

The Dutch legend clinched the 1988 European Championship largely known as the UEFA EURO 88 with the Netherlands, the country’s only major title.

Barcelona hired Koeman in 2020 with a contract until June 2022.

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UCL: BENFICA CRUISE PAST BARCELONA TO PILE PRESSURE ON RONALD KOEMAN, BAYERN THRASH KYIV

Barcelona have made their worst start to a Champions League campaign ever after a chastening 3-0 defeat at Benfica.

The Portuguese side dealt a further blow to Ronald Koeman, with Barcelona slumping to their second successive defeat in the competition as they also finished the match with 10 men.

Darwin Nunez netted in the third minute and capped off his side’s scoring with a penalty in the 79th, with Rafa Silva striking in between. Eric Garcia was sent off late on.

The defeat means Barcelona are under pressure to avoid missing out on the knockout stage for the first time since the 2003-04 season when they did not feature in the competition at all.

Also in Barcelona’s group, Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Bayern Munich stormed to a 5-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv.

Lewandowski’s goals, including from the penalty spot, came inside the first half an hour, with Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane and substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also adding their names to the scoresheet.

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LA LIGA: ANSU FATI NETS ON BARCELONA RETURN TO EASE PRESSURE ON RONALD KOEMAN

Ansu Fati scored on his first Barcelona appearance in 10 months to ease the pressure on under-fire boss Ronald Koeman in a 3-0 win over Levante at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Memphis Depay had given Barca the lead before Luuk de Jong scored his first goal for the club since joining from Sevilla on the final day of the summer transfer window, but Ansu stole the show with his 10-minute cameo.

Barca came into the match with just one win in five across all competitions and sources told ESPN recently that the club were exploring alternative options to Koeman as manager.

But the hosts raced out of the blocks and were ahead after just six minutes when Memphis won and converted a penalty following a clumsy challenge from Levante’s Nemanja Radoja.

Barca were 2-0 up nine minutes later thanks to fellow Netherlands forward De Jong. Sergino Dest was key in the goal as he led a counterattack and fed De Jong, who coolly slotted the ball past Levante goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez.

However, the loudest cheer of the day was reserved for the 80th minute, when Ansu replaced De Jong.

Despite the feel-good factor in Camp Nou with Ansu’s return, Barca had Marc-Andre ter Stegen to thank for maintaining their advantage as he was called upon to make two late saves.

But Ansu, Barca’s new No. 10, made the points safe with the third in stoppage time to evoke an even more enthusiastic reaction from the supporters as he went into the crowd to celebrate with the doctor who helped his recovery from a serious knee injury.

I didn’t imagine a comeback like this,” Ansu said after the match. “When we play at home we always have to win. I am happy with the victory. We still have a long way to go.

“I want to show my appreciation to the doctors and the physios that have been with me throughout this process. And also to the fans, who were incredible.”

Asked he felt any pressure at wearing the No. 10 shirt vacated by Lionel Messi, he said: “Not for me. It’s an honour to wear it after Leo, I’m grateful to the club and the captains for giving me the chance to wear it.

“It’s not pressure. I am grateful to take on a number that has given this club so much.”

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LA LIGA: BARCELONA HELD BY CADIZ AS PRESSURE MOUNTS ON RONALD KOEMAN

Barcelona made it three games without a victory on Thursday as a goalless draw with Cadiz further weakened Ronald Koeman’s position as coach. Frenkie de Jong was sent off in the 65th minute at the Ramon de Carranza stadium but holding on for a draw will earn little credit for Koeman, who was also shown a red card in injury-time.

Whether Koeman is still in the post for Barca’s game at home to Levante on Sunday remains to be seen but it appears now to be more a matter of when the club can find a replacement than if he will continue in charge.

“You have to always try to win each game, but you have to be realistic, you have to see the squad we have, the people we’re missing,” said Koeman.

Barcelona are already seven points behind La Liga’s early leaders Real Madrid, albeit having played a game fewer, to go with a poor start in the Champions League after last week’s 3-0 opening defeat by Bayern Munich.

A 1-1 draw with Granada on Monday did little to boost morale, with Koeman coming in for heavy criticism after finishing the game with central defenders Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo up front.

Disappointment with the team’s style and doubts around his future prompted a defiant reaction from Koeman in a press conference on Wednesday.

He refused to answer questions, instead reading out a statement that asked for patience and insisted the process of rebuilding the team “deserved unconditional support”.

That was taken as a clear message to club president Joan Laporta, who was reluctant to be drawn on Koeman’s future before the match against Cadiz.

Laporta told reporters nothing would be decided on the basis of the result alone, while admitting “if we have to take decisions at a certain time, we will take them”.

After the match, Koeman said: “He was in the hotel and we said hello before the match. I’m sure there will be more days to talk if the club wants to talk.”

Koeman started with 17-year-old Gavi in midfield and 18-year-old Yusuf Demir in the front three, while the much-maligned Luuk de Jong continued down the middle.

The first half was almost entirely forgettable, with neither team capable of creating a real chance and a weak shot from Memphis Depay the closest Barcelona came to a goal.

Alvaro Negredo’s shot with the outside of his foot drew a good save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen early in the second period while Luuk de Jong curved a fantastic cross to the back post but Depay miskicked his finish.

Barcelona were gaining in confidence but two yellow cards from Frenkie de Jong in four minutes checked their momentum.

De Jong was booked for the first time in the 61st minute for throwing back an arm into Alberto Perea and then for a second time in the 65th, as a careless touch forced him to slide on the stretch, even he flicked the ball away from Alfonso Espino first.

VAR would surely have spared De Jong but it could not intervene over a second booking.

Cadiz sensed an opportunity and should have scored with 10 minutes left when Espino slipped in Salvi but Ter Stegen came to the rescue, blocking the finish with his legs.

The game turned wild in the final minutes as the ball flew from one end to the other.

Philippe Coutinho spurned a late free-kick, Salvi’s close-range finish was blocked and as the clock ticked into the 94th minute, Depay fired just wide of the far post.

In the madness, Koeman was shown a red card as well, the Dutchman smiling at the final whistle with a face of disbelief.

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BARCELONA HOLD HOUR-LONG EMERGENCY MEETING, NAME KOEMAN REPLACEMENT

The Barcelona board reportedly held a second emergency meeting following Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Granada to discuss Ronald Koeman’s future at the club. The Dutchman has faced increased questions on whether he’s the right man for the job at Barcelona following last week’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.

Barcelona failed to register a single shot on target in the match with reports in Spain stating club president Joan Laporta held a meeting with board members to discuss how best to move forward.

The main topic of discussion was said to be Koeman’s position as Barcelona manager, but no decision was made at the time whether to actively look for a replacement.

But there is seemingly now more pressure from those on the board at Barcelona to find a new manager for the club.

Barcelona were once again not at their best against Granada, with the visitors taking an early 1-0 lead.

Ronald Araujo saved Barcelona’s blushes late on with an equaliser in the final few minutes of the match.

However, a second board meeting is said to have taken place in the immediate aftermath of the game at the Nou Camp.

According to ESPN, Laporta held an ‘hour-long emergency meeting’ to further discuss Koeman’s future with the board of directors.

It is claimed that no ‘rash’ decision will be made though, in part due to a lack of options currently being available.

Laporta is said to be after someone who is able to step in and take on the long-term project at Barcelona.

And sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff has reportedly thrown his support behind Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

Barcelona icon Xavi is also touted as an option the club are looking at with another alternative not named but someone who ‘has a strong history with the club’.

Koeman still has time to win over his doubters, but much will depend on results this week.

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Ronald Koeman unsure over Barcelona future

Ronald Koeman has insisted that he has “no fear” about his long-term future as Barcelona manager.

Despite frequent speculation about his job after a turbulent 12 months at Camp Nou, the Dutchman kept the reins for the start of this campaign.

While the Catalan giants remain unbeaten in La Liga, they were comprehensively outplayed during last week’s Champions League fixture with Bayern Munich.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Monday’s fixture with Granada, Koeman has acknowledged that there are no guarantees about the length of his spell at the club.

The Dutchman said: “I don’t know if my position is at stake because they haven’t said anything. The only thing is to think about the game and the team.

“The rest is not in my hands and I am calm. We have seven points from three games. You have to get people back to have more players available, but you have to win. In the end the results count and nothing else. I have no fear of my future.”

Barcelona will return to the top four of the La Liga table with victory over Granada.

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‘It is what is’: Koeman accepts Barca fate after Bayern defeat

A deflected goal from Thomas Mueller gave Bayern a deserved lead in the first half before Robert Lewandowski struck twice after the break to inflict another painful European defeat on Barca after thrashing the Catalans 8-2 in August last year.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman was in a resigned mood after his side were outclassed and beaten 3-0 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, saying fans needed to be realistic about the team’s current plight.

A deflected goal from Thomas Mueller gave Bayern a deserved lead in the first half before Robert Lewandowski struck twice after the break to inflict another painful European defeat on Barca after thrashing the Catalans 8-2 in August last year.

The Dutch coach pointed to the team’s injury problems including the absences of forwards Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati, Martin Braithwaite and Sergio Aguero and revealed Jordi Alba had played despite being ill the night before the match.

“You have to be realistic in life. Our young players showed we have a future and we have a lot of players to come back from injuries. It is what it is,” Koeman told a news conference.

“We know we’re missing a lot of players in attack and we have to wait a few weeks to have more options and more speed going forward. I don’t want to look for excuses but everyone knows the problems we had with the players who were unavailable.”

Barca failed to have a single shot on target over the 90 minutes and while Bayern were able to bring on experienced internationals such as Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman from the bench, Koeman hauled on three teenagers in search of a response.

“It’s very tough to play against a team like Bayern when you don’t have much speed going forward. We have to accept it and keep working. And we have to recognise the team we were up against,” he added.

“To do damage against a team like Bayern you have to be at your very best and you have to admit it when the other team is better. But I’m a little tired of talking about the same thing, in a few weeks the team will be different because we’ll have more players available and we will be fitter.

“Bayern are one of the favourites to win the Champions League and soon enough we ran into problems. We were a little unlucky with their first goal but in the second half they proved they are a better team than us right now.”

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Joan Laporta confirms talks with Ronald Koeman over new Barcelona contract

President Joan Laporta has revealed that contract discussions have already been held with Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman has needed to handle a number of on and off-the-pitch issues during his time at Camp Nou, including the club’s financial crisis and the departure of Lionel Messi.

There has also been a change of leadership behind the scenes with Laporta returning to the Catalan giants to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Despite calls for a fresh face in the dugout, Laporta has insisted that Koeman has his full support for the coming season.

Speaking to Onze TV, Laporta said: “Koeman has all my support, my respect and all the confidence so that he can work as comfortably as possible.

“We have already spoken a couple of times with Rob Jansen, his agent, so we are talking. I told the coach that he has to be strong, he cannot be in the weak position of ending the contract, so I raised the possibility of extending the contract.”

Barcelona have recorded two wins and a draw from their opening three La Liga fixtures of the new campaign.

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BARCELONA TELL PJANIC, UMTITI TO FIND A NEW CLUB

According to popular report, Barcelona have informed several players that Ronald Koeman and his staff will not be counting on them for the 21/22 campaign. Among the roster of players that will potentially find their way out of the Camp Nou are high-wage earners Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic.

Pjanic has totally struggled to break through into Koeman’s plans, having found himself as the sixth midfielder in his pecking order. Unable to offer the balanced, dynamic profile that the Dutch manager so often seeks from his players, the Bosnian has essentially been ostracised from the squad.

Samuel Umtiti has also suffered an equally difficult fate under Koeman. Having been injured for the first half of the season, ‘Samu’ found it difficult to break past Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, and the dark horse in Barça’s defensive race, Oscar Mingueza.

In an effort to reduce Barça’s unmanageable wage bill, president Joan Laporta and co. are looking to ship such players out of the club. With tremendously high wages, it is likely that the club will prioritise Umtiti’s departure.

Additionally, it is looking nearly impossible for Pjanic to change Koeman’s mind, so his sale will likely be facilitated too. While he has a high level of skill, Pjanic does not possess the positional concepts or the high work rate required by a Blaugrana midfielder.

An additional report from MD outlines that the Bosnian is currently being looked at by his former club Juventus, as Massimiliano Allegri, who is returning to the club for his second stint, loves the prospect of having him.

Junior Firpo is another name included in the report. The Spanish-Dominican left-back has found it impossible to break through into the Dutchman’s plans. He will likely be either sold or used in a swap deal. Other names, such as Fransisco Trincao and Riqui Puig, will be kept on by the club, but only used in substitute roles.

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LOSS TO CADIZ IS HUGE SET BACK – KOEMAN

Ronald Koeman says Barcelona were not good enough as their title ambitions took a “huge step back” in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat away at Cadiz.

Goals from Alvaro Gimenez and Alvaro Negredo sentenced Barca to their fourth defeat of the season and their worst start to a campaign since 1987-88.

With just 14 points from their opening 10 games, the Blaugrana are already 12 behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who beat Real Valladolid 2-0 earlier on Saturday.

It’s a huge step back in terms of winning La Liga,” Koeman lamented in his postmatch news conference. “It’s disappointing but we must accept it, even though being 12 points back from a strong team like Atletico is a lot.

“The result today is difficult to explain. We concede the first goal and weren’t good in attack, with too many players in the middle of the pitch.

“That’s not the level I expect from my team. We must improve. We must be more focused. In general, the attitude without the ball was not good.”

Cadiz went ahead in the eighth minute when Gimenez bundled the ball over the line after Marc-Andre ter Stegen had saved Barca defender Oscar Mingueza’s poor header.

Pedro Alcala’s own goal drew Barca level in the second half, but Cadiz restored their lead through Negredo five minutes later after Clement Lenglet’s error from Jordi Alba’s throw in.

“Our throw-in ends up in a goal for them,” added an angry Koeman. “It’s our mistake. It’s incredible and you don’t expect it from our team. You cannot concede a goal like that.

“I think it’s a lack of concentration. We lack aggression without the ball. That could be why. It’s not easy to explain how we concede that second goal. It’s very disappointing.”

Barca have now fallen behind in six of their 10 league games this season and have failed to win any of them, drawing two and losing the other four.

“It’s worrying to lose so many games,” midfielder Sergio Busquets told reporters. “The more we slip up, the further we are away from the top, which is where we want to be.

“I think individual mistakes have cost us a lot of points and we can’t keep giving the opposition that early advantage.

“Once we’re behind, it enables teams to shut up at the back and deny us space. It’s not a question of attitude or commitment, but starting games like this makes it much more difficult.”