Ronald Koeman also slams Joan Laporta for not backing him during his time at Barcelona. Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman is still holding a grudge against Joan Laporta over his sacking as Barcelona manager. Despite leading the Catalan giants to Copa del Rey glory. But the Barca president is not backing his work in the same way he did with Xavi Hernandez, Diario Sport reports on Friday.
Koeman took over at Barcelona from Enrique Setién in the summer of 2020 on a two-year deal. And led the Blaugrana to Copa del Rey glory in his first season in charge. UFABET But the Dutch boss was sacked by returning club president Laporta in October 2021, with Xavi appointed as his new manager.
Koeman said:
‘Yes, I’ve said it before, I didn’t have the backing of the president like Xavi, I was sacked and I think we were nine points behind Madrid and now they are 10 points behind.’
‘To be successful you need the backing of the president,’ says Koeman
Koeman has admitted that coaching at Barcelona was the toughest job of his career, but the 61-year-old is confident that Barca fans will remember his work as a player.
‘Barcelona fans remember me and will remember me as the man who scored the goal that won the club’s first European Cup,’ Koeman said. ‘I just didn’t have the backing of the president.’
The Dutch coach also criticised his former club for spending a lot of money on Robert Lewandowski. Both in terms of transfer fees and wages, despite the player being 35 years old.
‘I think he came for big money and if you have financial problems. You have to analyse the type of players you sign very carefully. Maybe it’s better to sign players with a better future.’
‘In my opinion, it is difficult for players to get their best wages at 35. While the best time for a footballer is between 26 and 32. It is strange for clubs to spend money on older players if they don’t have the money.’
‘Every player has complicated moments. I think he is still a great player, a leader in the dressing room, as they told me at Barcelona.’
Koeman said :
‘When you don’t play well, you can easily be criticised. But he is still important for Barca and his national team.’
Koeman also spoke about Frenkie de Jong’s future at Barcelona. Insisting that he would never consider selling the 27-year-old midfielder.
‘I speak to him regularly about a lot of things and I think he is happy at Barcelona and he doesn’t want to leave.’
‘The injury has affected his level in the last two or three months. Of course, I don’t think he’s 100 per cent ready to play against PSG and Real Madrid in the last games of the season. But he needs time to get back to his best.’