'He's not my manager anymore' Koeman rejects agent's Barça candidacy claim
In an interview with Italian media this week, the former agent of Everton boss Ronald Koeman suggested his ex-client is one of the managers Barcelona have in mind to replace Luis Enrique. Everton-Lyon live
Everton boss Ronald Koeman has rejected Guido Albers' claim he is on a shortlist to become Barcelona's next coach.
Albers is the Dutchman's former agent and manages ex-Inter boss Frank de Boer.
In an interview with Italian media this week, he rejected the possibility that De Boer could be an option for Barcelona, but suggested Koeman is one of the managers they have in mind.
Current Barca boss Luis Enrique has enjoyed significant success at Camp Nou, but is out of contract at the end of the season.
But Koeman dismissed Albers' claim and suggested links with Barcelona are inevitable given he has had spells with Barca as a player and assistant manager.
"I will always be related to Barcelona"
"He is not my manager anymore," Koeman said ahead of Saturday's Premier League game at Middlesbrough. "[There is] nothing, nothing, nothing. I will always be related to Barcelona - it happened in the past and it will happen in the future."
Everton have been tipped for a shock top-four finish as they sit seventh after picking up 17 points from a possible 21.
But Koeman is not getting carried away and will not take struggling Boro, who are without a win in seven top-flight matches, lightly.
He added: "Everything is possible but everyone knows the Premier League is so tough.
"It is not about the opponent you play – look at Hull getting four points from Manchester United away and Liverpool at home. Maybe our game this Saturday will be more difficult than Tottenham away. It is all about yourself. The best way to be successful is to look at the next game.
Follow the live coverage match of Premier League Week 29 between: Liverpool vs Everton.