The Dutchman signed a two-year deal when he arrived in 2020, but the mixed results of the 2020/21 season meant possible dismissal reports.
Barcelona decided to continue the existing contract that Koeman has
Barcelona’s board has decided that Ronald Koeman will remain on as coach of the Catalan club. The Dutchman signed a two-year deal when he arrived in 2020, but the mixed results of the 2020/21 season meant possible dismissal reports. But, he will stay for 2021/22. Joan Laporta announced this development through the club’s official media, following a meeting on Thursday. “After a period of reflection, we decided to continue the existing contract that Koeman has,” the president said.
“We are delighted with the conversations we had. They were frank conversations, and the coach’s behaviour was impeccable. We found solutions for any minor differences. We thought about what was best for Barcelona, and we are all delighted to make this announcement.”
The board are now focused on strengthening the team
When asked if he would have kept Koeman if he had not had a year left on the contract, Laporta insisted that this was not a factor. “The rest of the year he had was an independent thing and did not condition us,” Laporta said. Laporta said Koeman’s agent expected some of the contractual issues to be discussed during this negotiation period, but the president explained that there was no need to change the deal. It means that there is not a pay cut for Koeman to stay, and the contract has not been renewed for a year. That is what had been reported by some as a possibility. “For now, the previous contract continues,” the president said as he discussed the decision.
“We’ll talk about everything else further down the line. He already put in an effort last season, and we didn’t consider a pay cut this time. He understands the club’s situation. We are now focused on strengthening the team and looking at the options we have, even in this challenging market. Koeman likes how we are doing in this respect.”