The first season of that deal is coming to a close, with stable progress made at Camp Nou in a test campaign for all concerned.
Koeman sees himself leading Barcelona next season
Ronald Koeman remains convinced that he will lead Barcelona next season, and the Dutchman will respond to ongoing departure talk by pointing out that he “signed a contract for two years”. The first season of that deal is coming to a close, with stable progress made at Camp Nou in a test campaign for all concerned. Koeman has faced questions about his permanent presence when Joan Laporta now back in a presidential post, and further changes are being considered, but the 58-year-old remains confident he will be back for more in 2021-22. Touching his future once again on the eve of a crunch LaLiga clash with Levante on Tuesday, Koeman said: “The President showed me his confidence from day one, and it is he who must make the decision. I signed two years here and see myself leading this group of players next season.”
The Dutchman thinks the Liga is not out of their reach
Barcelona have already taken in Copa del Rey honour this season, and the domestic success is hiding another disappointing showing in the UEFA Champions League. However, more silverware could be secured in the coming weeks, and the Blaugrana are still fighting for the Liga crown. Two more points were dropped to pursue the prize last time out, in a 0-0 draw with leaders Atletico Madrid, but Koeman believes that a nine-point haul from three remaining fixtures could lift his side to the summit. “I don’t think the Liga is out of our reach,” the Dutchman said. “We are in the same situation as before. There is one less game left with Atletico ahead, but we have to think not about others, but about winning our games.”
Koeman is trying to keep the entire focus locked on events that Barcelona can control, despite being in a position where favours are required from elsewhere.
He is wary of what others are doing, and the former Dutch international admitted he couldn’t bring himself to watch a meeting between fellow title hopefuls on Sunday, which ended in a 2-2 draw. “I watched the first 20 minutes of Real Madrid with Sevilla, but then I switched to Milan against Juventus because I get nervous,” added Koeman. “I preferred to watch another game where we have no direct interest and then find out about the result.”