Ronald Koeman
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is expected to remain in charge for tomorrow’s trip to Cadiz, but the club are exploring options to replace him, sources told ESPN.
Koeman’s position was further weakened by Monday’s 1-1 draw at Camp Nou against Granada in LaLiga, which followed last week’s 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Sources explain that President Joan Laporta held an hour-long emergency meeting with his board of directors after the Granada game as the doubts regarding Koeman’s suitability continue.
However, the lack of alternatives available is preventing Laporta from making a rash decision before Barca travel to Cadiz, where they lost in the league last season. The president doesn’t want an interim option, someone to come in for a few months or until the end of the season; he would like to appoint someone capable of building a long-term project at the club.
Jordi Cruyff, who returned to Barca in an advisory capacity this summer, has championed Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, while former midfielder Xavi Hernandez, coaching Al-Sadd in Qatar, is another option. Sources said another candidate is someone who has a history with the club.
Barca Vice President Eduard Romeu said last week that money would not be a problem in terms of paying off Koeman, as had previously been suggested due to the club’s financial problems, with gross debt standing at around €1.35 billion.
Barca remain unbeaten in LaLiga this season, with eight points from their four games following the draw with Granada.
Sources explain, though, that performances as much as results have increased the pressure on Koeman, who ended Monday’s game with a makeshift front two of Luuk de Jong and defender Gerard Pique.