Tag: Ronald Koeman

19Oct By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona vs Dynamo Kyiv: Koeman releases squad for Champions League clash

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has named his side’s squad to face Dynamo Kyiv in Wednesday’s Champions League tie. Koeman released a list of 22 players to tackle Dynamo Kyiv at Camp Nou. The Dutchman announced the squad in a post on Barcelona’s website on Tuesday. Koeman’s side head to the game following a 3-1 victory over Valencia in their last fixture.

Read More

19Oct By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

El Clasico: Koeman to be without three key players for Barcelona, Real Madrid game

Barcelona boss, Ronald Koeman, will be without three key players when his side tackles Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico. According to Marca, the three players are Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Ronald Araujo. The trio will miss the El Clasico at Camp Nou due to injuries. Koeman was hoping to have Pedri back for the El Clasico after he missed their game against Valencia and he is also expected to miss Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pedri had suffered a thigh injury ahead of the recent international break. Dembele, on the other hand, is yet to make an appearance for Barcelona this season after sustaining a knee injury during France’s European Championship campaign in the summer. Araujo was a casualty of the latest international ...

Read More

7Oct By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Luis Suarez brutally slams Ronald Koeman over the 40 seconds phone call which ended his Barcelona career

Luis Suarez has brutally criticised Ronald Koeman, accusing the Barcelona coach of 'lacking personality'. The former Liverpool striker was allowed to join Atletico Madrid in a £5.5million transfer from the Catalan giants last year following a phone call with the then newly-appointed Dutch boss. The 34-year-old Uruguayan came back to haunt his former club last weekend, scoring the second goal to inflict a first league defeat of the season on Barcelona. Suarez denied that the phone call gesture after scoring was directed at Koeman, but he has now criticised the 58-year-old publicly, insisting the Dutch coach did not make it clear if it was him or the club who wanted him gone. The Koeman phone call to tell me that he was not counting on me lasted 40 seconds, it is not the ...

Read More

3Oct By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Why Barcelona is ‘Special’ to me – Luis Suarez

Atletico Madrid star, Luis Suarez, has insisted that Barcelona is ‘special’ to him because of the moments he experienced during his time at Camp Nou. The Uruguay forward, however, said that he must now give his hundred per cent work to Atletico. Suarez said this while reacting to Atletico Madrid’s LaLiga 2-0 win over Barcelona on Saturday night. Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-0 at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, thanks to goals from Thomas Lemar and Suarez. Recall that Suarez was told that he was surplus to requirements when Ronald Koeman took charge as Barcelona manager. “I’m happy with the team’s victory, which is what we wanted,” Suarez said at his post-match press conference after the game. “The opponent are special due to the moments I experien...

Read More

3Oct By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Koeman reveals conversation with Laporta after Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has revealed his conversation with the club’s president, Joan Laporta, following their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in a LaLiga clash on Saturday. Koeman said he had spoken with Laporta about his position at Camp Nou and believes more certainty about his future will help improve Barca. According to him, Laporta told him that everything is perfect. Barcelona lost to Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano following goals from Thomas Lemar and Luis Suarez “It went well because before, there was no clarity,” said Koeman in his post-match press conference after the game. “We [I and Laporta] spoke last night on the phone, then again this morning, about the club, the team, about me. “Clarity is very important, for th...

Read More

1Oct By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Stop Leaking Stories about me – Koeman Blasts Barcelona amid sack rumours

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has suggested the club’s hierarchy is leaking stories about his future to the media. Koeman held what might prove to be his final press conference as the club’s coach on Friday. The pressure on the 58-year-old has increased following the 3-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday. Local media suggest he will be fired after Saturday’s league game at Atletico Madrid, regardless of the result, while president Joan Laporta has stepped up the search for a replacement. “The club have said nothing to me. I’ve learned that the president was [at the training ground] this morning, but I have not seen him. “We’re preparing for Saturday’s game. I can’t say anything. But I have eyes and ears and I know a lot of things have...

Read More

30Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

There is war in Barcelona – Xavi warned not to replace Koeman as manager

Atletico Madrid striker, Luis Suarez, has warned his former teammate at Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez, not to return to the club as manager. Ronald Koeman is under pressure at the Nou Camp following a poor run of results. A 3-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday night, left Barca bottom of Group E without a point, or even a goal to their name after two matches. The team, however, remains unbeaten in LaLiga but sit in sixth place, having been held by the likes of Granada and Cadiz. Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, is reportedly considering the likes of River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo, who has replaced club legend Xavi, currently the head coach of Al Sadd, as the frontrunner. Suarez who left the Catalan club last summer having been deemed surplus to require...

Read More

30Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Champions League: De Jong Speaks on Barcelona sacking Koeman after 3-0 defeat to Benfica

Barcelona star, Frenkie de Jong, has resisted calls for manager Ronald Koeman to be sacked after they suffered another embarrassing Champions League result on Wednesday night. Barcelona suffered back-to-back defeats after losing 3-0 to Benfica in Lisbon. The LaLiga giants had also lost to the same scoreline at home to Bayern Munich two weeks ago. The Catalan club are now facing the genuine possibility of exiting the Champions League at the group stage and pressure is mounting on under-fire Koeman. But De Jong does not believe sacking Koeman will solve anything. “I can’t talk about Koeman, it’s not for me. I don’t think changing the coach can solve anything,” De Jong told reporters when asked if sacking Koeman could help turn Barcelona’s season around. “We ...

Read More

25Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Koeman banned for Barcelona’s matches against Levante, Atletico Madrid

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has been handed a two-match ban on Friday. The Dutchman had complained at the end of their 0-0 draw at Cadiz on Thursday. The result extended Barca’s winless streak to three matches and increased the pressure on Koeman. Koeman was dismissed deep into stoppage time for complaints directed at the fourth official. The Spanish football federation has now determined that his behaviour merits a tougher two-game suspension than the automatic one-game ban for a red card. Koeman will miss the home match against Levante in LaLiga on Sunday, as well as the team’s visit to defending champions Atletico Madrid next weekend.

Read More

24Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Cadiz vs Barcelona: Koeman blasts referees after 0-0 draw

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has criticized the standard of refereeing in LaLiga, after he and Frenkie de Jong were both sent off during a 0-0 draw against Cadiz on Thursday. De Jong picked up two yellow cards in the second half, while Koeman was given his marching orders in stoppage time for something he said to the fourth official. The draw was Barca’s second in the league this week, following Monday’s stalemate against Granda at Camp Nou, and further increases the pressure on Koeman. Koeman will now serve a touchline ban for Sunday’s game against Levante, when another bad result could spell the end of his tenure at Barca. “I was sent off for telling the fourth official that there was a second ball on the pitch and the game should be stopped. “Everyone...

Read More

24Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Laporta warns under-fire Barcelona boss Koeman he won’t be afraid to ‘make decisions’

The Camp Nou chief says the Dutchman's future in the dugout will "depend a lot" on results but also insists "we are behind him now" Barcelona president Joan Laporta has warned under-fire head coach Ronald Koeman that he won't be afraid to "make decisions" if the team's fortunes do not improve soon. Pressure is building on Koeman after Barca's poor start to the 2021-22 campaign, with a 1-1 draw at home to Granada on Monday marking the latest setback for the Spanish giants. Barca slipped to eighth in the La Liga standings after that result, and it has been suggested that Koeman is now on borrowed time as he struggles to find a winning formula following a summer of wholesale changes at Camp Nou.  

Read More

24Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘In this country they send you off for nothing!’ – Barcelona boss Koeman blasts referee after receiving red card in Cadiz draw

The Dutchman has criticised the lead match official for sending him off in the final stages of the La Liga clash Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman blasted match referee Carlos del Cerro Grande after receiving a red card during his side's 0-0 draw with Cadiz, claiming: "In this country, they send you off for nothing!" Barca extended their recent winless run to three matches in all competitions after a stalemate at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on Thursday night. Frenkie de Jong was sent off midway through the second half for two bookable offences, and Koeman received his marching orders in stoppage time for dissent to compound a miserable night for the Blaugrana.

Read More

21Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona vs Granada: Why I played Pique as striker – Koeman

Barcelona boss, Ronald Koeman, has explained why he played defender, Gerard Pique as a striker during his side’s LaLiga 1-1 draw with Granada. Koeman said he decided to play Pique as a striker during the encounter because the spaces were out wide and not in the middle. Granada went in front with just over 60 seconds on the clock when Domingos Duarte headed home against Barcelona. But Koeman turned to Pique, among others, to rescue a point against the visitors. “We changed our style a little bit,” Koeman said at his post-match press conference after the game. “The spaces were out wide, not in the middle. We went with Pique, De Jong and Araujo and from one of those crosses, we got the draw. ” Barcelona’s next fixture is against Cadiz on Thursday.

Read More

21Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Celebs

Barcelona cannot play Tiki-taka – Koeman

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has criticized his players including Philippe Coutinho and Gerard Pique following their 1-1 draw with Granada in a LaLiga clash on Monday night. Koeman also admitted his current crop of players cannot play ‘Tiki-taka’, after failing to beat Granada at Camp Nou. After Granada took the lead in the second minute through Domingos Duarte, Barcelona needed a late header from Ronald Araujo to salvage a draw at home. Speaking to reporters at his post-match press conference after the game, Koeman said: “If you see the squad list today do you really think we can play tiki-taka?. “Barca right now is not the Barca of eight years ago. We play the Barca way but we don’t have the speed in wide areas because we have [Philippe] Coutinho who cuts inside and [Y...

Read More

21Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Barcelona shortlist six managers to replace Koeman [Full list]

Barcelona have shortlisted managers to take over from the Blaugrana coach, Ronald Koeman. The Catalan club is reportedly on the verge of parting ways with Koeman and have identified about six managers who could potentially become the club’s new manager in the coming days. According to RAC1’s Gerard Moreno, Barcelona’s six-man shortlist for the job are Andrea Pirlo, Philip Cocu, Antonio Conte, Xavi Hernandez and Joachim Low. The report added that the decision taken by Barcelona is currently pending official announcement and will be publicized when a name out of those shortlisted is settled on. This is coming following Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Granada in the LaLiga on Monday. Barcelona drew with Granada at Camp Nou, thanks to a late minute goal from Ronald Araujo after Domi...

Read More

21Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Koeman gives reasons why Barcelona drew 1-1 with Granada

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has accused Granada of time wasting following their 1-1 draw on Monday night. Koeman also admitted his players didn’t find space to play their style of football. Barca needed a late header from Ronald Araujo to salvage a draw at the Camp Nou, after the visitors took the lead in the second minute through Domingos Duarte. The hosts went on to dominate the game, but could not find any end product. With defeat looming for Koeman’s side, Gavi chipped the ball back in front of goal where Araujo rose and met it. “They [Granada] wasted time from as soon as they scored. “There wasn’t a lot of space to play short, delicate balls as they defended with every man back. “There was space on the wings to cross, and we had tall players ...

Read More

20Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Koeman Calm about Future as Barca Coach

Ronald Koeman has said he is not fearing for his future as Barcelona coach, despite last week’s 3-0 thrashing at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Barca were unable to muster a single shot on target against a dominant Bayern at Camp Nou while Koeman’s relationship with the club’s president Joan Laporta has been strained in recent weeks. Koeman has admitted Laporta tried and failed to find a replacement for him last summer and there is growing speculation about a change of coach if performances do not improve. “I’m calm, we have seven points in three games (in La Liga),” said Koeman in a press conference on Sunday, ahead of Monday’s match at home to Granada. “We have players recovering from injury. I know you have to win. I am not afraid for my future, the c...

Read More

16Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona give Koeman three matches to save his job

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, is on the brink of losing his job and has been given three games to turn around the situation, according to the UK Mirror. The Blaugrana were thrashed 3-0 by Bayern Munich in their opening Champions League group game on Tuesday night. The LaLiga side failed to muster a shot on target in all 90 minutes of the match. It was a result and performance that increased the pressure on Koeman. Barca will play three league fixtures within a week – with a trip to Cadiz sandwiched between home games against Granada and Levante respectively. All three opponents are teams that are expected to finish in the lower half of the Spanish top flight this campaign. It is claimed that if Barca slip up in any of those matches, then the board will have a decision...

Read More

15Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Champions League: Koeman reveals why Barcelona lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has admitted that the gulf in talent between his side and Bayern Munich was apparent following their 3-0 defeat on Tuesday. The LaLiga giants began their quest to win the Champions League without Lionel Messi with a home defeat to the Bundesliga champions. Thomas Muller scored once before Robert Lewandowski’s second-half brace ensured an emphatic victory. Koeman also pointed out that his side played without injured stars like Sergio Aguero, Ousmane Dembele, and Ansu Fati. “I can’t complain about the team’s attitude, but there’s a quality difference. One team that have played together for a long time [against] us, with a lot of young players who in two, three years will be better. It’s really difficult to accept, but we hope to i...

Read More

10Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Koeman: I should be in charge of who plays for Barcelona, not Laporta

The 58-year-old insists the club's president should not be able to dictate who gets a place in the starting XI at Camp Nou Ronald Koeman has stressed that he must be the one who decides who gets a place in Barcelona's starting XI and not president Joan Laporta. Barcelona are prepared to offer the Dutch coach a new contract before his current one expires at the end of the season, but it has been reported the president wants guarantees that Riqui Puig will be given a role in the first team. Laporta clarified this week that Koeman has "all the power in sporting matters" and that he has the confidence and respect of the board, which the 58-year-old took as a good sign.

Read More

8Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Griezmann’s deadline-day move from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid was a b*tch – Koeman

The manager's plans for the season could have been quite different had two last-minute moves fallen through Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has admitted that the hectic business carried out by the club on deadline day was “a b*tch”. Owing to their crippling levels of debt, the Blaugrana spent the majority of their transfer window attempting to lower their wage bill. The cost-cutting exercise continued through to deadline day, with Antoine Griezmann departing the club and Luuk de Jong being brought in at the last minute.

Read More

2Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona to hand Koeman new contract if he meets 2021-22 targets at Camp Nou

Joan Laporta has presented the Dutchman with a conditional proposal that could see him remain in the Blaugrana dugout beyond the end of the season Barcelona are ready to hand Ronald Koeman a new contract if he meets their 2021-22 targets, Goal can confirm. Koeman replaced Quique Setien in the Camp Nou hot seat following Barca's disastrous 2019-20 campaign, putting pen to paper on a two-year contract. The 58-year-old guided the Blaugrana to their 31st Copa del Rey triumph last term and they've made a steady start to the 2021-22 season despite wholesale changes to the squad over the summer, with Joan Laporta set to reward him with a new deal if he continues.

Read More

1Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona snap up Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong

  Barcelona have snapped up Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong. De Jong will join Barcelona. The Catalan club have reached an agreement to sign the Dutch striker on loan from Sevilla. Barça will pay little or no fee for the loan, but will pay his full salary. The move should be made official in the coming hours. De Jong was first offered to Barça 10 days ago. Coach Ronald Koeman knows him well from the Dutch national team and was keen, but the club looked for other offers. Sevilla gave the green light to the loan after signing Spain striker Rafa Mir from Wolves. As De Jong arrives, Antoine Griezmann leaves. He is joining Atletico Madrid on loan for a €10m fee, with the deal to be made permanent for €40m next summer.

Read More

29Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

West Ham close to £25m Vlasic deal

West Ham are close to agreeing a £25m deal to sign Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow. David Moyes has been keen to bolster his attacking options and has turned his attention to the Croatian after it became increasingly likely Jesse Lingard would remain at Manchester United this season. Lingard excelled during a successful loan spell at West Ham under Moyes last term, with the 28-year-old's performances reinstating him into the thoughts of England boss Gareth Southgate. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently said he believes Lingard has a big part to play at Manchester United this season with the player focused on working his way into the first team. Vlasic has previously had an underwhelming two-year spell at Everton which came to an end in 2019. The 23-year-old joined Ever...

Read More

24Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Fati boost for Barcelona after nine-month injury nightmare as 18-year-old returns to training

The talented teenager, who has suffered with serious knee problems, is edging his way back into contention at Camp Nou Barcelona have been handed a welcome boost by the sight of Ansu Fati returning to full training. The 18-year-old has endured a wretched run on the injury front of late, but a long road to recovery is finally coming to an end. Ronald Koeman is not in a position to welcome the highly-rated forward, who topped the 2021 Goal NXGN poll, back into his plans just yet, but an imminent return is on the cards.  

Read More

22Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona less feared without Messi, admits Koeman after Athletic Club draw

The exit of the prolific forward after a glittering, near-two-decade career at Camp Nou, has left his old side without a crucial psychological edge Barcelona are less feared without Lionel Messi, Ronald Koeman has admitted, with the Blaugrana manager stating that rivals were "more scared" when the Argentine was at the heart of their side. The exit of the prolific forward after a glittering, near-two-decade career at Camp Nou, has left a major void to fill for the Catalan club this term. An opening win in La Liga against Real Sociedad has since given way to a frustrating draw with Athletic Club - and speaking after his side were held to a stalemate, Koeman has acknowledged that without their former talisman, they have lost a major psychological edge.  

Read More

22Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Teams no longer fear Barcelona after Messi’s departure – Koeman

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has admitted that opposing teams no longer fear them again following Lionel Messi’s exit. Koeman’s men were held to a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. It is the first time Barca have dropped points in LaLiga this season. Despite temporarily moving top of the table, Koeman was not afraid to express his disappointment and open up on Messi’s departure. He said: “I don’t like to always talk about the same thing, but we’re talking about the best in the world. Our opponents had more fear when Messi was here. “For us as well, if you pass the ball to Leo, usually he won’t lose it. You can tell [Messi] isn’t there. We know that and we can’t change it.” Memphis Depay earned Barcelona a share of the points in the enthralling ...

Read More

17Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Why Tammy Abraham snubbed Barcelona to join Mourinho at Roma

Departing Chelsea striker, Tammy Abraham, turned down the chance to join Barcelona because he has been won over by Roma coach, Jose Mourinho, and club general manager, Tiago Pinto. Sky Sports reports that Barcelona made a shock move to sign Abraham ahead of Roma this week, with Blaugrana coach, Ronald Koeman, even calling the England international in an attempt to convince him to join the LaLiga giants. But Abraham had already spoken to Mourinho and was sold the idea of moving to Roma in a meeting with Pinto. Abraham’s imminent move to Roma is believed to include a buy-back clause set at £68million, but that cannot be triggered until he has spent two seasons at Giallorossi. Abraham is currently in Italy to complete his £34million move to Roma. The 23-year-old...

Read More

15Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona to replace Messi with Lacazette, Aubameyang

Barcelona are considering moves for Arsenal strikers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, according to Sport. However, the LaLiga club will only pursue the transfer, if they are able to offload Martin Braithwaite for a significant fee. Barca manager, Ronald Koeman, had already admitted that he would like to bring in a new striker. Due to their financial problems, the Catalans will not be able to afford a fee for either Aubameyang or Lacazette, so any deal would have to involve a player exchange. Following Lionel Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona are determined to bolster their attacking options. They can already call upon Antoine Griezmann, while wingers Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele are also capable of making a major impact. ...

Read More

15Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Koeman reveals player to replace Messi

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, is banking on Antoine Griezmann to fill the spot left by Lionel Messi’s departure. Messi signed for Paris Saint-Germain after he failed to agree fresh terms with Barca. His departure leaves Griezmann as the highest-paid player at the Camp Nou. Ahead of their LaLiga opening fixture against Real Sociedad on Sunday, Koeman believes the France forward will “take a step forward”, although he admits the club has to spend on a new striker. He said: “We need to sign a new striker, if possible. And I want to say, I love Antoine Griezmann. “Griezmann has to take a step forward now and I understand that he can occupy a position like Messi’s and it’s an advantage for him.”

Read More

9Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona player to take over from Messi as ‘captain’ revealed

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has confirmed the player that will captain the club following Lionel Messi’s departure. Messi said a tearful goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday as it became clear that the Blaugrana had no way of registering him. While Messi is expected to join close friend Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain, Koeman has now revealed that Sergio Busquets will take over from the Argentine as the club’s new captain. “Despite the farewell of Messi, we are very excited about this season. We are convinced that we will give you many joys this season,” Koeman told Barca fans ahead of the Gamper Trophy encounter tie with Juventus. “The youngsters are the future of this great club. “It has been very hard to play a whole year without an audience, we are delighte...

Read More

7Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Thanks for everything Leo’ – Messi tribute from Koeman signals end of Barcelona era for Argentine

With the forward set to hold a press conference on Sunday, any hopes of a last-gasp reversal look to have been dashed by the Blaugrana manager Lionel Messi's Barcelona exit looks to be officially confirmed after Ronald Koeman took to social media to pay tribute to the Argentine, mere minutes after the club confirmed that the player would speak to the media later this weekend. The forward had been widely expected to renew with the Blaugrana after lapsing into free agency earlier this summer, but the Catalan outfit's financial situation ultimately saw them confirm a parting of the ways on Thursday. Amid intense speculation over where the attacker will play this coming season, with Paris Saint-Germain presumed to be the frontrunner, Koeman - who took charge in La Liga ahead of last sea...

Read More

18Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Messi Named Favourite to win Ballon d’Or

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has said Lionel Messi is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or award this year. Messi has already won the prize six times in the past – the most by any player in history. Earlier this month, the 34-year-old led Argentina to Copa America triumph in Brazil. With that victory, Messi has finally added an international title, which was the only silverware missing from his stunning CV. Koeman believes his captain deserves recognition for his individual brilliance for both club and country over the past 12 months. “He has shown time and again he is the best in the world. I know how much he wanted to win the Copa América and he has done it at last. “Messi is the prime candidate for the Ballon d’Or after a great season and, for me, he is the fa...

Read More

16Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

The Olympics is not football’ – Why Barcelona tried to block Pedri’s latest Spain selection

The teenager is happy to have the chance to represent his country in Tokyo but his club coach Ronald Koeman is concerned by the threat of burnout The Spanish FA raised eyebrows when they named an extremely strong squad for the Olympic Games football competition in Tokyo, particularly because of the inclusion of Barcelona starlet Pedri. The 18-year-old midfielder, who won the young player of the tournament award at Euro 2020, could reach an incredible 66 games in a marathon 2020-21 campaign for club and country. It has been a year to remember for the Tenerife-born playmaker, hitting the ground running after moving to Camp Nou, forging a deep connection with Lionel Messi and winning his place in Luis Enrique’s Spain side.

Read More

9Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Koeman ‘concerned’ about Messi contract situation with Barcelona unable to do a deal

With salary cap issues posing plenty of problems at Camp Nou, a talismanic presence has been allowed to drop into the free agent pool Ronald Koeman admits to being "concerned" by Lionel Messi's contract situation, with the Argentine superstar still a free agent at present as Barcelona cannot afford to put a new deal in place. Salary cap issues are posing plenty of problems at Camp Nou, with costs needing to be cut before summer signings and those waiting on fresh terms can officially put pen to paper. Barca have known for some time that they faced a sizeable headache with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, with no extension put in place with him on the back of a push for the exits in 2020.

Read More

4Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona offer to release Pjanic and Umtiti as they attempt to slash wage bill

The midfielder and defender each made just 13 appearances in La Liga last season and will not play a big role next season either Barcelona have offered to release Miralem Pjanic and Samuel Umtiti from their contracts, Goal understands, as the midfielder and defender do not fit into Ronald Koeman's plans for the future. Pjanic, 31, joined from Juventus last summer in a deal worth €60 million (£55m/$67m) but started only six of the 13 Liga games in which he featured last season. Umtiti meanwhile has not been able to hold on to a place in the starting XI since arriving from Lyon five years ago and was also limited to just 13 league matches in 2020-21.

Read More

29Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

De Boer steps down as Netherlands head coach following disappointing Euro 2020 campaign

The Dutchman has decided to walk away from the national team so they can make a fresh start when their World Cup qualification campaign resumes Frank de Boer has stepped down as Netherlands head coach following their disappointing Euro 2020 campaign. De Boer was handed a two-year contract after replacing Ronald Koeman as the national team boss last September, but has taken the decision not to remain in charge through to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Netherlands suffered a surprise last-16 exit to the Czech Republic in the European Championship, and he has taken full responsibility for their failure while citing a desire to remove himself from a potentially volatile situation.

Read More

24Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Paulinho open to Barcelona return as another free agent signing for Liga giants

The Brazilian midfielder was a surprise addition at Camp Nou in 2017 and is not ruling out a second stint Paulinho is leaving the door open for a second move to Barcelona, with the Brazilian midfielder another free agent option for the Liga giants to consider this summer. Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay have already been snapped up at the end of their contracts at Manchester City and Lyon, with Ronald Koeman bringing in reinforcements that have required no transfer fee. Paulinho may be another addition to explore, with the 32-year-old severing ties with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, and he has already spent one season at Camp Nou after becoming a surprise signing in 2017.

Read More

19Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Barca agree deal to sign Depay on free transfer

Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Lyon forward Memphis Depay on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this month. Depay, who joined Lyon from Manchester United in 2017, will sign a two-year contract with the Spanish club as he reunites with former Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman. ✍️ @Memphis 💙❤️ #MemphisCuler — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 19, 2021 A club statement read: "FC Barcelona and Memphis Depay have reached an agreement for the player to join the club once his contract with Olympique Lyonnais is at an end. The player will sign a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season." Depay is set to become Barcelona's third free transfer of the summer after ex-Manchester City pair Sergio Aguero and Er...

Read More

18Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Messi has to finish his career at Barcelona’ – Koeman confident new contract will be announced ‘soon’

The Blaugrana boss believes fresh terms will be agreed with a talismanic figure at Camp Nou, preventing him from hitting free agency Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi "has to finish his career at Barcelona", with the Blaugrana boss expecting a contract extension for the mercurial Argentine to be announced "soon". The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is yet to make an official decision on his future, with the 33-year-old still seeing his current deal run down towards free agency. The expectation is, however, that he will extend a career-long association with the Liga heavyweights, with fresh terms on the table and ready to be signed.

Read More

9Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona schedule date for Depay signing announcement

Barcelona are preparing to announce the signing of Lyon striker Memphis Depay this week. Sport says Depay will become Barcelona's fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Sergio 'Kun' Agüero, Eric Garcia and Emerson. A final agreement is close to being signed off and Barça hope to officially announce Depay's signing on Friday, before the start of the European Championships. That way, the Lyon forward's future will not become a distraction during the tournament and he can focus exclusively on the Netherlands. Depay's deal with Lyon expires on June 30 and he will sign for Barça on a free transfer. The forward wants to make the move to Camp Nou and be reunited with Ronald Koeman, his previous coach with the Netherlands, and the final details should be sorted soon. ...

Read More

8Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Guardiola names Perfect Manager to Coach Barcelona next Season

  Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, has named Ronald Koeman as the “ideal coach” to manage Barcelona next season. Koeman’s future at Barcelona was shrouded in uncertainty for weeks after an underwhelming 2020-2021 campaign. But the Dutchman is confirmed to remain at Barcelona for at least another 12 months. Speaking at the Legends Trophy in Mallorca, Guardiola described Koeman as a strong coach that has a lot of experience, adding that he deserves to be at the LaLiga giants for another season. Guardiola said: “He [Ronald Koeman] is a friend of mine. Coaches are always in a weaker position when we don’t win, and a stronger one when we win. “I have been at three different clubs, but nothing is comparable to Barcelona or [Real] Madrid, where the repercussions are...

Read More

5Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Lenglet makes Barcelona future vow after sparking transfer talk at Camp Nou

The French defender is among those to have seen a summer move mooted, but he expects to be back for more in 2021-22 Clement Lenglet has vowed to see out the summer transfer window on Barcelona's books despite generating talk of an imminent move being made. Change is on the cards at Camp Nou, with Ronald Koeman looking to bolster his ranks after being cleared to take in a second season at the helm. Eric Garcia is among those to have been acquired, adding to the competition Lenglet faces at centre-half, but a 25-year-old France international expects to stay put.

Read More

4Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona Take Final Decision on Sacking Koeman

  Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has confirmed Ronald Koeman will continue as manager next season. This comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Dutchman’s future. On Thursday, Laporta had said a “period of reflection” was needed after two wins in their last six fixtures saw Barca miss out on the LaLiga title. The Catalans finished outside the top two for the first time since 2008, although they did landed the Copa del Rey. “We’ve decided to continue with Ronald as first team coach,” Laporta said in a news conference. “We are satisfied that the conversations we have held have been fruitful and he’s motivated to remain in the job.” Laporta had called Barca’s end to the campaign “incomprehensible” and promised changes, later saying that “losing must brin...

Read More

3Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona gives Koeman ‘non-negotiable’ conditions to continue as manager

Ronald Koeman will continue as Barcelona manager in the 2021/2022 season, but he will have to play a 4-3-3 formation, according to SER Catalunya. The Dutchman’s position has remained in doubt, following a miserable end to the season. Barca finished seven points behind champions Atletico Madrid in LaLiga and was dumped out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage by PSG. However, Koeman will continue until his contract runs out in June 2022, after the Spanish giants failed to find a replacement.

Read More

31May By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero joins Barcelona on a two-year Contract

Sergio Aguero has completed a move to Barcelona after his exit from Manchester City, the Spanish club have announced. The Argentina International left Manchester City following the expiry of his contract at the end of the season and has joined Ronald Koeman’s side on a deal until the end of the 2022-23 season. The 32-year-old striker will be presented at the Nou Camp with club president Joan Laporta on Monday evening, May 31, and will officially join on July 1. He will have a release clause of €100 million. Barca have said in a statement on their official website: "FC Barcelona and Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero have reached an agreement for the player to join the Club from 1 July when his contract with Manchester City expires. "The player will sign a contract until the end of the 202...

Read More

27May By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea in Shock Move for Barcelona’s Pjanic

  Chelsea are lining up a shock move for Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic. According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Pjanic is unlikely to be a Barcelona player next season, with the player subject of an offer from Chelsea. DAILY POST recalls that Pjanic has been linked to a transfer to Chelsea this summer. Barcelona are desperate to land Chelsea’s Jorginho this summer and have resolved to offer Pjanic in an exchange deal. Pjanic joined the Spanish giants last summer from Juventus in a move that saw Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo move the other way. The Bosnian international has since endured a torrid ten-month period, having struggled to establish himself in the plans of Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, in the recently-concluded 2020/21 campaign. ...

Read More

26May By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Barcelona President, Laporta Holds Showdown talks With Koeman

  Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, held talks with manager Ronald Koeman atthe club’s offices in Nou Camp on Tuesday, to discuss his future at the club. According to Marca, the conversation that involved Koeman’s representative, Rob Jansen, only lasted half an hour. The Dutchman’s future at the club remains uncertain after the meeting. Barca were in prime position to clinch the LaLiga title, but bungled their chances in the final weeks of the season. This allowed Atletico Madrid to lift the trophy, with Real Madrid finishing in second place. Koeman was however able to win the Copa del Rey earlier this summer. Laporta is expected to take a decision on his future in the coming days.

Read More

23May By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Barcelona Squad not Good Enough – Koeman admits as Atletico win titl

  Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has said the squad is in need of an overhaul. The Catalans finished third in LaLiga behind champions Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Captain Lionel Messi is yet to agree a new contract, but Koeman feels the club needs to support their superstar with quality additions. “When we arrived we took the template that was available. “[Sergino] Dest only came on the last day. For me this squad is not made to have the level that it demands and that we want for Barcelona. “There are older players with all due respect. And there are young players who have to gain more experience to be better. The project is not done, in one season you can not do everything,” Koeman said following the 1-0 win at Eibar on the final day.

Read More

20May By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

LaLiga: Barcelona President, Laporta Takes Final Decision on Manager to Replace Koeman

  Barcelona President, Joan Laporta, has decided on the manager to replace the club’s current coach, Ronald Koeman. According to Spanish radio station RAC1, Laporta has spoken to Bayern Munich boss, Hansi Flick, with regard to becoming Barcelona’s next manager. Laporta found Flick ‘receptive’ and liked the ‘methodology and the intensity’ he would bring to the Barcelona squad. He sees Flick as his first choice to replace Koeman at Camp Nou if the Dutchman was sacked. Koeman is currently under intense pressure at Barcelona, having won just one of their last five La Liga games. He also saw his side crash out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage last February following a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona’s draw with Levante and then de...

Read More