Laporta: Koeman will remain in charge of Barça regardless of Atlético result
Speaking ahead of the La Liga fixture with Atlético Madrid, Barcelona club president Joan Laporta gave the Dutch coach his backing.
Ronald Koeman will still be in charge of FC Barcelona regardless of what happens in Saturday's match against Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid.
Speaking ahead of the La Liga fixture, Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave his full backing to the Dutch coach. Laporta responded to the latest rumours of Koeman's potential dismissal, stating that the he has full confidence in the club's coach and that the Camp Nou outfit have no intention of sacking him, whatever happens against Atlético.
"Koeman will stay"
"Koeman will stay on as head coach regardless of the result. He will stay. He deserves a margin of confidence. He loves Barça, he’s a reference point. I have spoken to him and I have drawn my conclusions. He took over Barça at a difficult time," Laporta said.
"He may have had moments of discouragement but he has recovered his spirits. After talking to him, I can see that he has confidence in this team, especially as soon as he has the injured players back. From then on, we will have more room for manoeuvre.
"We have not had a cold relationship. It’s a good and honest relationship. He’s a good person, he thinks the same about me and we’re all trying to turn things around for the better," he added.
Xavi linked with Barcelona job
Sacking Koeman would cost Barcelona approximately €12 million. Xavi Hernández, Roberto Martínez and Erik ten Hag have all been linked with the job.