Barcelona lost the important game against Atletico Madrid. These last few days were the worst for the club as they could not win a single game. Losing games are not good but not even creating chances is even worse.
Is it over for Ronald Koeman?
It seemed almost certain that the game against Atletico Madrid would be Ronald Koeman’s last one in charge of Barcelona. It wasn’t invented by the press, as Joan Laporta openly discussed it with a group of journalists on Thursday, as much as Barcelona’s vice-president Rafael Yuste denies it. The only thing preventing the decision was the wait to see if the club could find a replacement. Two days later, and to the surprise of everyone, Laporta confirmed that Koeman would remain in charge and that he had his backing. Laporta and Koeman spoke, with the coach demanding a decision as he grew fed up of the humiliation that he felt he received from Laporta, his advisors and the club. He also repeated what he has said publicly, that, when injured players return, the team’s performances will pick up.
President is still thinking about Laporta’s resigment
The president then changed his mind, partly because he was convinced by Koeman, despite the damage done to their relationship, damage that has been aired very publicly. But his rethink was also because Laporta has not found a replacement for Koeman and the current timing, in October, is not ideal, especially given the club’s limited finances. The two have decided to agree a truce, but with no deadline as to when it could pass. Koeman will be in the dugout against Valencia, already knowing that the team need three points at the Camp Nou, and also against Dinamo Kyiv in the Champions League after defeats against Bayern Munich and Benfica. Shortly after will be the Clasico, on October 24, where Barcelona and Koeman’s future could be decided.