“Other options” next to Xavi
Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona, has recognized the dismissed coach Ronald Koeman as a great legend of the club, but also admitted that he may have acted too late in view of the sporting crisis. “He’s one of the greats from Barça and we will always remember him. Ronald is a myth of Barcelonismo, we have to thank him for his efforts, “said Laporta on Friday during the first press conference with interim coach Sergi Barjuan (quoted via”Barcawelt.de“). But: “The situation was no longer acceptable. We probably should have decided sooner to fire Koeman. “
The Catalans had recently lost the Clásico to Real Madrid (1: 2) in Camp Nou, which was almost sold out for the first time, and subsequently also to promoted Rayo Vallecano (0: 1). Previously, Laporta & Co. Koeman had strengthened their back several times. “We beat Valencia and Dynamo Kiev, but then the situation was no longer sustainable. The fact that we gave Koeman our trust served to motivate him and the team. “He takes responsibility for this, said the club boss.
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According to Laporta, it is still unclear how Koeman’s severance payment will be – his contract ran until the end of the season, the required severance payment should be 12 million euros. Negotiations are currently taking place in this regard and the talks are “good. We respect the rights of both sides so that he is satisfied. The amount is subject to contractual secrecy but is considerable. It’s one thing that both parties will resolve. “
FC Barcelona is looking for a successor to Koeman: “Also options” alongside Xavi
The search for a successor for Koeman is already in full swing at Barça. Club icon Xavi, who is currently coaching Al-Sadd SC in Qatar, is generally considered to be the favorite for the post. Laporta admitted that he was in regular contact with the former world-class midfielder anyway: “I’ve been talking to Xavi since the presidential fight and I have never lost contact with him. I maintain a friendly relationship with him, my opinion of him is a very good one. “
Laporta stressed that Xavi Barcelona will train “one day”. But he couldn’t say when. Now there are “other options” in addition to the 41-year-old. But “I won’t talk about what these are. That wouldn’t be professional. ”In the last few weeks, Belgian national coach Roberto Martínez and ex-Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo, among others, were traded. According to Spanish media reports, however, it all boils down to Xavi, whose appointment is only a matter of time. When asked about the rumors, Xavi held back in the end. He is concentrating on his job in Qatar and will not comment on a possible FCB return.
For me it is also the most important thing that the team find their lost style of play under Xavi. I want to see attractive football, 100% look forward to every Barca game again. I also want to see how our youngsters develop.
Furthermore, the Champions League qualification has to have top priority in terms of sport, although I still think that this is absolutely possible under a correct / more capable coach. Personally, I also hold Atléti …
Over 20 million euros: According to Laporta & Tebas, FC Barcelona has transfer leeway
In winter, however, the club could become active in the transfer market. This was confirmed by Laporta, and the opportunity to do so – the club has built up an immense mountain of debt under the old leadership – also exists, according to LaLiga boss Javier Tebas. “Barcelona have over 20 million to sign players,” he said, according to the news agency.EFE” on Friday. Tebas also reminded that there is a special clause for clubs that increases the salary limit by 4 percent in order to sign a new coach.
Laporta said: “We are still in a very difficult situation. We have gained some wiggle room in terms of wages and are working to reverse the situation. We are always looking for solutions. The dismissal of Koeman is an example of this. ”But he also expects interim coach Barjuan, who has actually coached Barcelona B since the beginning of the season, to incorporate players from his own youth:“ He will make the decisions he has to make, and when the new one Coach comes, we’ll talk. We have to get more performance out of this team and be more competitive than before. “
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