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Koeman will remain Barca boss regardless of Atleti result – Laporta

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 2 Oct 2021

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Joan Laporta says under-pressure head coach Ronald Koeman will stay on as head coach regardless of Barcelona’s LaLiga result at Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Koeman was reported to be on the brink of the sack following a 3-0 Champions League defeat at Benfica on Wednesday.

The cash-strapped Blaugrana are bottom of Group E after they were beaten by the same scoreline at home by Bayern Munich and headed into the weekend occupying seventh spot in LaLiga.

Club legend Xavi, Roberto Martinez and Erik ten Hag have been linked with the Barca job, with Koeman coming under increasing scrutiny.

Barca president Laporta revealed Koeman will remain in the role even if his side are beaten by Diego Simeone’s champions.

“Koeman will stay on as head coach regardless of the result. He will stay. He deserves a margin of confidence. He loves Barça, he’s a reference point. I have spoken to him and I have drawn my conclusions. He took over Barça at a difficult time,” Laporta said.

“He may have had moments of discouragement but he has recovered his spirits. After talking to him, I can see that he has confidence in this team, especially as soon as he has the injured players back. From then on, we will have more room for manoeuvre.

“We have not had a cold relationship. It’s a good and honest relationship. He’s a good person, he thinks the same about me and we’re all trying to turn things around for the better.”

Koeman stated in a press conference on Friday that he has not spoken to Laporta amid speculation over his future.

“The club hasn’t told me anything, really,” the former Netherlands boss said at a news conference on Friday previewing his side’s clash with Atletico.

“I 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 have ears and eyes and I already know that a lot of things leak. Surely it’s true but to me, once again, he has not said anything to me.

“I am not the most important thing, but the team. I am here for the love of the club. I came here during a complicated situation – more complicated than the first day.

“Everyone has their opinion but I am only interested in the players and the Atletico game.”

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