Koeman has Laporta's backing and will get a second Barcelona season

Ronald Koeman will continue as Barcelona coach save a big surprise. The club have not said anything to the contrary, but rumours have been kicking around following the lack of ratification from president Joan Laporta, who always listens to results and performances.

The performance in the Copa del Rey final proved the final impulse towards a definitive decision that was practically taken already. It's likely that in the coming days Laporta will reiterate his confidence in the Dutch coach, who still has one year to run on his deal.

Laporta expressed his support for Koeman when he took charge but has been quiet since. In fact, he avoided the question before and after the Copa del Rey final. The president is still waiting for the final results of an internal audit before making the big decisions on the club's future.

That audit has nearly been complete and the results will be found soon. That's where Koeman can expect confirmation in public that he will continue, although he's had it internally.

What is true is that Laporta and his board of directors have analysed the bench meticulously. He's always bet on groundbreaking coaches in the past, such as Rijkaard and Guardiola, and wanted to see how the season ends. It's not that Koeman didn't have his backing, but he was open to all scenarios.

The new board value the work done by Koeman during a difficult season. He came in after the Bayern humiliation and has brought through youngsters while still competing. The Copa del Rey has been won and La Liga remains a possibility. A double would be extraordinary.

Koeman's been annoyed about the questions about his future. He doesn't feel it's an issue with a deal in vigour. But he also knows the demands at the club and accepts that.

In his favour is the supports of the dressing room. The celebratory images from Saturday's cup final showed the heavyweights in the squad hugging him. Koeman's known how to handle the squad and has brought back confidence and now trophies.

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