Decision imminent on Ronald Koeman's future as Barcelona coach
Joan Laporta must decide quickly who he wants as Barça boss next season
Winds of change are blowing at Barcelona. Joan Laporta has some big decisions to make in the coming weeks, including who will be the coach next season.
Ronald Koeman remains in charge for now and has one year to run on his contract but his future is uncertain. The coming days will be intense and a final decision must be made before the first week of June. Anything could happen. The only thing that's certain right now is the uncertainty.
Koeman said goodbye to the players for the summer on Sunday but the message was "see you again" because no one has communicated to him otherwise.
He will meet with Laporta in the coming days and conclusions will be withdrawn. Koeman will detail how he's seen the end of the season and the changes he feels are necessary to take Barça to the next level.
Laporta will listen but it's another thing if he buys Koeman's explanations. In fact, if it wasn't for the club's financial position, many believe the Dutchman would already be gone.
Koeman, meanwhile, has stepped up his discourse in recent days, speaking loud and clear without caring for the consequences. The club did not like how he demanded more respect for the players from them. Koeman was happy to then criticise the squad himself, saying it's not good enough, and then went after himself as well: "I don't think I'm the best coach for this club, there are better (coaches)."
But if he leaves it won't be for comments made but for his work on the pitch. The main reason must be technical and it will come from the top, from Laporta. The president believes he must make big calls ahead of the first full year of his mandate. Beyond renewing Messi, who will be the coach is the biggest one.
Replacements
The problem is there is no money. Laporta, it's been said, would like to sign a Klopp or a Xavi or a Nagelsmann or a Flick, or whoever promises rock and roll. But the pandemic and poor management means the bank account is empty. Therefore, even though it's hard to believe, it's possible Koeman continues next season.
In fact, Koeman has said it himself. There are better coaches, but are the conditions in place to bring them in? The decision is imminent.
