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8 months ago
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Speaking at a public appearance earlier today, former FC Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has fired a dig at club president Joan Laporta.
It is no secret that Koeman does not share the best of relationships with Laporta with the Dutchman feeling ill-treated by the president during his managerial tenure at the club.
Koeman has previously spoken about how he did not feel supported by Laporta during the latter part of his managerial stint.
Now, with the Barcelona president backing Xavi Hernandez and trying to convince him to stay at the club, Koeman has aimed a dig at him, saying:
“Laporta has learned how to protect a coach, compared to before.”
When asked about his relationship with the Barcelona chief, Koeman insisted that things are not that great, saying:
“Yes, that coffee is still getting cold. It’s hard because I think differently from him on many things.”
During the chat, Koeman also made a big claim on the future of Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, stating that the Dutchman is happy at the club and is not looking to leave.
“De Jong is not thinking about leaving Barcelona, he is happy here,” he said.
The current Netherlands manager also had an interesting view on the relationship between Xavi and PSG manager Luis Enrique, hinting that all is not okay between them despite what it appears to be.
“I saw the image yesterday before the match between Luis Enrique and Xavi and they seemed to be very good friends, but a day before I saw Luis Enrique making inappropriate statements,” he said.
“I think there is more between these two coaches, I think you will know more.”
On the comments made by Enrique regarding the Barcelona DNA, Koeman refuted that only three people define the Barça DNA.
“Barcelona’s DNA consists of three names: Cruyff, Pep and Messi. Enrique’s words before the match were misplaced,” he said.
“If you have Messi there is no need to talk about DNA because he has been the best of all time,” he later added.
Messi is one of three people who define Barça DNA says Koeman. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)On the future of Xavi, who has decided to leave Barcelona in the summer, Koeman said: “Xavi is a great person, but these are things that each person must choose and decide for himself.”
On Barcelona’s youngsters
Koeman also commented on the young talent coming through the ranks at Barcelona, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Fermin Lopez enjoying breakthrough seasons at the club.
“When I managed Barcelona there were players like Pedri, Gavi Nico and Balde. Now Cubarsi, Fermin and Lamine are there. The young players are getting chances and they are doing well.”
Koeman singled out Cubarsi for praise, hailing his maturity despite his young age, as he said:
“Cubarsi has already become a key player for the first team and plays as if he is a veteran. He appears very composed and shows no nervousness out on the field.”
Source: X/MasQuePelotas
