‘Barcelona need a Mbappe-like player to compete with superior Real Madrid’: Koeman

FC Barcelona struggled to outshine their arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Super Cup, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League last season, ultimately enduring a trophyless campaign.

Efforts are underway at the Catalan club to ensure they meet their goals next season; the most notable change has been the appointment of Hansi Flick.

However, former Barcelona defender and coach Ronald Koeman believes Barça still trails behind Real Madrid by some distance.

Falling behind Real Madrid

Speaking about Barça’s competitiveness and their potential matchups against Kylian Mbappe’s Madrid, the Dutchman remarked via SPORT:

“Barça needs to retain its top players to avoid falling behind. Recently, it has lagged far behind Madrid.”

Rumours about Barcelona’s interest in UEFA Euro 2024 star Nico Williams have been widespread.

When asked if the club has the funds to secure his signing, Koeman stated he was unsure but stressed the importance of respecting their legends, pointing out the disrespect shown to himself, Lionel Messi, and Xavi as examples.

Koeman not mincing his words about Barcelona. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

“I don’t know what’s going on inside, what’s possible or not. I understand the interest in Nico, he’s a great player, but I don’t know if it’s rumours or intentions.

“In recent years Barça’s problem has been that Messi is out, me, Xavi. The best thing is to respect the legends. Barça has to be at the top and lately it’s not there to compete. Because of the board, I think they work in a way that’s not good,” he said.

Barcelona need their own Mbappe

Furthermore, he claims that Real Madrid are superior to Barcelona in several aspects. Koeman argues that the brain drain of elite stars has damaged Barcelona in some ways and the youth talents are still too young to be considered differential assets.

“I think Madrid are superior to Barça in many ways. The team they have is one for the future and I know that Barça has very good young players, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi. Great players but Barça needs people like Mbappé, who make a difference in every way.

“If you don’t have this type of player, Messi… it’s not good to compare Lamine with Messi. At his age what he does is impressive, but you have to give him time and peace of mind. There is only one Messi in the world, we won’t see something like this in the future,” he stated.