Coming in on the back of an incredible job done with The Netherlands Nationa Team, the expectations were high when Barcelona announced last summer that Ronald Koeman will be her new manager, for the start of the 2020/21 season.
Despite being the club’s legend, things almost went out of hand between the Dutch tactician and Barcelona in his first season as the club’s manager, with issues rising from player sales, most notably Luis Suárez to a direct rival, who ended up leading Atletico Madrid to the LaLiga title.
A better part of Barcelona fans were not pleased with Koeman’s handling of the team, with some section favouring some to be played over another. The situation of youngster Riqui Puig also proved a headache for the former Holland international.
As it is bound to be with any Barcelona coach when Lionel Messi is not happy, Barcelona’s inability to produce good results against big oppositions was also a cause for alarm, and apparently, Messi was not happy.
Their elimination in the Champions League round of 16 at the hand of PSG Paris Saint Germain, another blight in their season, while also losing the Spanish super cup final to Athletic Bilbao.
Among the highlights of a really poor season saw them finished third in the league, their lowest rank after the completion of a LaLiga season since the 2007/08, also third.
However, against the odds, Koeman has now survived being axed this summer and preparation is on for the new season after club president, Juan Laporta confirmed yesterday in an interview.
The Barcelona President siad: “We have come to the conclusion that Koeman’s continuity is the best option for Barça. I see him motivated, excited and with the right mentality.”
“We are convinced that next season will be great for Barça. Koeman is looking forward to getting back to work after the holidays. I told Koeman that if at any time I caused him discomfort, I would apologize.”
“A period of reflection was needed to draw conclusions, regardless of whether there was a contract in force.” He added.
Already, Sergio Agüero and Eric Garcia have joined from Manchester City and Barcelona have also bring back Emerson Royal from Real Betis as the club continue to rebuild and move on from the Josef Bartomeu’s reign.
The arrival of Dutch duo Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay look to push through after the confirmation of Koeman’s stay at the club.
Lionel Messi’s contract talk is also going fine as the player appears pleased with how things has gone so far this summer. Messi needs convincing of the next project after how below par the club has been in recent years and President Juan Laporta has so far handle things exceptionally well.
Barcelona have added all these players spending little to nothing and now look like a team ready to compete with the best. Surely they will be one of the favourites for the Champions League in the coming season. After struggling in the competition since last winning it in the 2014-15 season.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
