Koeman's second season gets underway with several questions left unresolved

The holidays are now over. Saturday marks the first day of Ronald Koeman's second season as Barça head coach. After a first season overshadowed by sporting uncertainties, institutional instability, economic woes and the Covid-19 pandemic, the Dutch coach is looking to resume his process of rebuilding the squad. This season represents the beginning of a new and exciting cycle, albeit one with many unresolved questions under extremely complicated circumstances. While Joan Laporta's appointment has brought strength and solidity to the club, there are many loose ends that need to be addressed before the start of the 2021-22 LaLiga season.

Immediately after the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, when Koeman had not yet been confirmed as the club's coach for the upcoming season, president Laporta made it clear what Barça's short-term objective would be. His message was clear, concise and conclusive: "A cycle has ended". After an internal debate, the Barça board placed their trust in Koeman, who they never doubted was ready to lead the new chapter of the Leo Messi era.  This weekend, with the customary medical and physical examinations and the increasingly common PCR tests, the Wembley hero's Project 2.0 embarks on a new route that promises once more to wearisome and tedious. After the past year that bordered on the implausible in so many ways, the Dutch head coach has returned with his batteries recharged. He is ready to overcome all the obstacles that lie in his path.

Koeman's Barcelona will start pre-season training on Monday with one key issue unresolved: the future of Leo Messi, the club's captain and linchpin. We know that Messi wants to stay. This much is clear, since despite being a free agent he has not agreed to join any other club. Despite this, the Barça board is yet to sufficiently reduce the wage bill to such an extent that would allow Messi to sign a new deal at the club. As much as it hurts, Barça will begin the 2021-22 pre-season without their number 10 in their ranks. While his signature remains a formality, the club's fans are getting increasingly nervous as the clock ticks on. This Friday, Koeman appeared concerned yet optimistic when addressing journalists: "I have faith in the president", he said, when asked about the situation.

Just by looking at the names of the twelve first team players set to start pre-season on Monday at the Joan Gamper Training Ground it is clear that, with those due to return later following their participation the European Championships, Copa América and the Olympic Games, in addition to players currently recovering from injuries and potentially moving to other clubs, the group of available players will be very different at the start of the season. Marc-André Ter Stegen, Ousmane Dembélé, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati will not take part in any sessions until they have recovered from their respective injuries; the futures of Miralem Pjanić, Samuel Umtiti, Neto and Moussa Wagué appear to be elsewhere; and question marks remain over Sergi Roberto and Riqui Puig for various reasons. As things stand, Gerard Piqué and Sergiño Dest are the only fit first-teamers who are sure to stay at the club. Given these absences, it should come as no surprise that Koeman has called up ten young players from Barça B: Monchu, Ilias, Gavi, Comas, Ramos Mingo, Arnau Tenas, Álex Collado, Iñaki Peña and Yusuf Demir.

The club is hoping to secure moves away for several players, and perhaps make the odd signing

In the last few days, it has become clear that Barça needs to trim their wage bill in order to register Lionel Messi, the four signings that they have already made (Sergio Agüero, Eric Garcia, Memphis Depay and Emerson Royal) and any other hypothetical signing before the window closes. Koeman has already stated publicly, in his charity golf tournament in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, that he would like to sign another centre midfielder. This file, however, will be stored away until the club has managed to significantly reduce its wage bill. Players need to leave before any can be signed. Whether through transfers, loans or contract terminations, Laporta has shown that he is not willing to keep overpaying players, or keep them on the payroll, if their recent performances have been far below par.

If the Dutch coach has shown anything during his first season in charge, it has been his ability to understand the club's current situation and set an example for his players in all areas. "All the players know about the club's financial situation. We are all concerned. With regards to salaries, the club is trying to get the players to agree to wage cuts, and they should all accept them. If they're true Barça people, and if they take into account everything that the club has given to them, they should make an effort and agree to these reductions. They need to put the club first". Koeman's message couldn't be clearer. This explains why Ilaix Moriba and Alejandro Balde, two of the most promising youngsters from La Masia, will undertake pre-season with Barça B until they agree to sign new contracts.