Staff Reporter.
@BarcelonaFC.
Manager Ronald Koeman says he has been disrespected by the Barcelona board and the media amid continued speculation about his future.
Local media claims former Barca player Xavi Hernandez could replace the Dutchman, with club president Joan Laporta admitting earlier this week that there may be changes this summer.
“You need to respect your coach and players more,” said Koeman.
“In the last part of the season I’ve not felt the support of the club.”
Koeman added: “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.”
Koeman succeeded Quique Setien as Barcelona boss in August 2020 on a two-year deal after stepping down from his role as Netherlands coach.
He led them to success in the Copa del Rey in April, but they go into the final weekend of the La Liga season in third place behind rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and guaranteed to finish outside the top two for the first time since 2007-08.
They were also well beaten by Paris St-Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League, while there is continued uncertainly over the future of star striker Lionel Messi, who is out of contract in the summer and has yet to agree a new deal.
When asked about his own future, Koeman said: “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.”
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague says the Barcelona board are divided about whether to change their manager this summer and that uncertainty is having a negative impact on the players.