MX23RW : Wednesday, January 8 05:16:48| >> :120:19419:19419:

Ronald Koeman hits out at Barcelona president Joan Laporta

Ronald Koeman hits out at Barcelona president Joan Laporta
© Reuters
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman takes aim at president Joan Laporta for a perceived lack of respect.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has accused president Joan Laporta of a lack of respect amid persistent speculation regarding his future.

The former Netherlands boss has secured a Copa del Rey triumph during his first season at the helm, but the team's pursuits of a Champions League crown and La Liga title both ended in failure.

Barca president Laporta has affirmed that "several decisions" must be made as the club look to challenge for honours next term, and the 58-year-old is reportedly considering sacking Koeman given their underwhelming season.

Laporta's comments have not gone down well with Koeman, though, with the Dutchman telling reporters: "You need to respect your coach and players more.

"In the last part of the season I've not felt the support of the club. Things have come out in the press. They don't deserve that kind of treatment, things should be done differently.

"I know there's a lot of pressure here and I accept this, but sometimes I think in this country there's much more of a culture with the media getting involved with a coach's future, which I think is disrespectful.

"I don't know if I will continue as coach, to be honest. I've not spoken with the president. I know we need to make changes in order to win trophies and if that means a new coach or players then fine; but it needs to be communicated."

Barcelona cannot finish higher than third in La Liga as they prepare for a final-day clash with Eibar, and the club have been tipped to welcome legendary midfielder Xavi back to Camp Nou as Koeman's successor.

ID:448589:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2394:
Written by
Ben Knapton

Click here for more stories about Ronald Koeman

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Al Sadd manager Xavi pictured at the Club World Cup in December 2019
Read Next:
Xavi 'to open talks over Barcelona return'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid19134243192443
2Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia1826101728-1112
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!