Sacking Koeman won´t get Barca out of critical situation – Busquets

Sacking Ronald Koeman would be the easy way out for Barcelona, with Sergio Busquets calling on the players to take responsibility for their “critical situation”. 

Barcelona were on the receiving end of a 3-0 humbling at the hands of Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, meaning they have lost their first two matches of a European campaign for only the second time in their history. 

Darwin Nunez put Benfica in front after just three minutes at the Estadio da Luz and the Uruguayan added a second from the penalty spot after Rafa Silva doubled the Portuguese side’s advantage in the second half.

Barca finished the game with 10 men after Eric Garcia was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Goncalo Ramos. The Catalan giants have now lost four of their past five Champions League games, conceding 14 goals in the process. 

Calls for Koeman to be relieved of his duties will surely intensify after another disappointing result, but Busquets believes the fault does not lie solely with him. 

“It’s the easiest thing in the world of football [to sack the coach], but the responsibility also belongs to the players. We are in a critical situation,” Busquets told Movistar. 

“We have zero points. You have to think about moving upwards because there is no other option. 

“We have to win both games against Dynamo Kiev and see what the other teams do. There is a lot left [to play for] and we have to try to be positive.” 

100 – Frenkie de Jong will make his 100th appearance for @FCBarcelona in all competitions (9 goals and 12 assists), becoming the 11th Dutch  player to reach this milestone for the club. Legacy. pic.twitter.com/bLkGdapCU5

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 29, 2021

Frenkie de Jong made his 100th Barca appearance in the meeting with Benfica and despite the shock defeat does not think getting rid of Koeman would turn the club’s fortunes around. 

“I can’t talk about Koeman, it’s not for me. I don’t think changing the coach can solve anything,” he said. 

“We are trying everything, working hard in training. We tried our best on the field but today was not the day, that is clear. 

“We have to keep fighting, be together, overcome this situation because you only escape from situations like this when you work hard and are united as a team.  

“We have lost and we have not scored. We are in a very difficult situation. We have to continue and look forward.”