Koeman confirms meeting with Laporta to discuss possible signings

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is happy with the appointment of Joan Laporta as the club's new president and expressed as much in a press conference on Saturday ahead of this weekend's game against Real Sociedad.

"There's a president and there's a future," he said. "It's important to have someone in the role to provide peace of mind both in and outside the club. Now we have to play well and make sure everything goes well. It's really important to have Laporta as president."

In addition, Koeman thanked Laporta for his support after the president publicly backed him in his speech at his inauguration in midweek.

"It's important that the president highlights what we're doing," the Dutchman added. "He had already said after the game in Paris that I have the confidence of the board. That's important, but we have to keep working hard. Things can change quickly. I hope things go well and this continues for a long time."

Confirms SPORT exclusive

Koeman also confirmed that he will meet with Laporta next week, as advanced by SPORT, to discuss next season,

"Yes," he said. "There's an international break and we will meet to talk about the team. It's a good moment because there are no games."

Laporta plans to meet with Koeman to analyse the team and begin planning for the next season. The idea is to stick with Koeman, who has a contract until 2022, and depending on results he could even be offered an extension.

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