Ronald Koeman

[Porque]

As long as we can objectively compete there aren't "transitional" seasons (meaning throwaway seasons). That's the point. And we competed this season as well, and it's hard to imagine a team that's not able to compete at the moment (the bar is pretty low). So in that sense this season has been a failure (with some positives of course).

This. If last season was Rijkaard 2003/2004. Then this season we should aspire for it to be Rijkaard 2004/2005. The budget isn't there, but the quality in free transfers is along with the youth players. It is a different market so one or two solid transfers can even be attained now and paid next year like the Italians do, or even PSG did.

A club like Barcelona should never write off seasons.

 

[FC433]

Laporta actually said to RK that he is not his favourite and that he is looking for other options. Who leaked that? Laporta or RK?

 

[Joan]

Laporta actually said to RK that he is not his favourite and that he is looking for other options. Who leaked that? Laporta or RK?

Puig

 

[FC433]

 

[Bobo32]

This. If last season was Rijkaard 2003/2004. Then this season we should aspire for it to be Rijkaard 2004/2005. The budget isn't there, but the quality in free transfers is along with the youth players. It is a different market so one or two solid transfers can even be attained now and paid next year like the Italians do, or even PSG did.

A club like Barcelona should never write off seasons.

No it's strange that Koeman has been able to be judged on the basis of a "transitioning season".
Well next year he should be more transitioned, but to be honest I think Barcelona are moving backwards - their best players getting older obviously, but Koeman also playing out his cards and losing with them as time passes. It's not a successive improvement, but a coach that tried a lot of stuff and kept going until bad results hit him in the face - well he is soon to be out of options.
His final hope is to get a few players he worked with earlier and hope that what worked pretty well for the dutch NT (who play games once in a while) can also work in club football with Barcelona.

It's a shame to talk about transitioning while the GOAT still plays, and it's a shame to even consider signing players like Depay and Wijnaldum.

 

[jairzinho]

Koeman needs to leave at this point. How can you continue if you don't have support from the president and board?.

 

[Messigician]

Savage Laporta

❗Laporta: "Yes, I told Koeman that you are not my favourite coach, give me time to find an alternative and if I don't find one - you can continue."

 

[Porque]

No it's strange that Koeman has been able to be judged on the basis of a "transitioning season".
Well next year he should be more transitioned, but to be honest I think Barcelona are moving backwards - their best players getting older obviously, but Koeman also playing out his cards and losing with them as time passes. It's not a successive improvement, but a coach that tried a lot of stuff and kept going until bad results hit him in the face - well he is soon to be out of options.
His final hope is to get a few players he worked with earlier and hope that what worked pretty well for the dutch NT (who play games once in a while) can also work in club football with Barcelona.

It's a shame to talk about transitioning while the GOAT still plays, and it's a shame to even consider signing players like Depay and Wijnaldum.

I agree. I was onboard with Koeman, but to quote BBZ, he used up all his coins in our big match losses and in losing the league. There is no suggestion that even with his signings (or even top signings) that this will change. Because his in-match changes are lacking, tactical adaptions, rigid substitions (season start out changing the wings at 60 minutes regardless of performance or stamina- like with Dutch NT) and gung-ho changes when losing are inadequete.

With regards to signings, given the financial challenges I have no problems with improving the overall squad depth even if Eric, Depay, Wijn, Aguero are not sure to add quality to the 11.

I forgot to answer you regarding Van Der Beek, I will put it here.We have alot of midfielders who fit what Koeman (and Schuster) interpret as their ideal form of football. If Van der Beek is available on a loan with option to buy (not obligatory) and if Koeman stays then I have no qualms with his arrival. He can be a high level system player that would be yet another squad improvement. I don't think he is a priority or someone to break the bank over though.

Oh and a question. If Koeman goes and Xavi and Pep do not want the job. Who would you want as manager?

 

[JamDav1982]

The big matches were not as bad as made out.

The games were even and decided on individual moments.

The bigger issue was the collapse at end of season when Barca had it in their own hands. That is why Koeman will go no the big games dropped points in.

 

[Porque]

Perhaps the LaLiga Atleti/Real matches but the CL results to PSG who missed a ton of starters and Juventus were savage.

To be honest I would have overlooked even those and the Madrids games if we won LaLiga.



... Which I guess was kind of your point

 

[jairzinho]

I agree.
Oh and a question. If Koeman goes and Xavi and Pep do not want the job. Who would you want as manager?

No top coach will want to touch this mess. Laporta is obsessed with Pep but even if he comes he would want the time to work and build something. Even with klopp, he would want the time and support to build. Laporta is deluded looking for a quick fix. No top coach would accept that shit.

 

[Bobo32]

I agree. I was onboard with Koeman, but to quote BBZ, he used up all his coins in our big match losses and in losing the league. There is no suggestion that even with his signings (or even top signings) that this will change. Because his in-match changes are lacking, tactical adaptions, rigid substitions (season start out changing the wings at 60 minutes regardless of performance or stamina- like with Dutch NT) and gung-ho changes when losing are inadequete.

With regards to signings, given the financial challenges I have no problems with improving the overall squad depth even if Eric, Depay, Wijn, Aguero are not sure to add quality to the 11.

I forgot to answer you regarding Van Der Beek, I will put it here.We have alot of midfielders who fit what Koeman (and Schuster) interpret as their ideal form of football. If Van der Beek is available on a loan with option to buy (not obligatory) and if Koeman stays then I have no qualms with his arrival. He can be a high level system player that would be yet another squad improvement. I don't think he is a priority or someone to break the bank over though.

Oh and a question. If Koeman goes and Xavi and Pep do not want the job. Who would you want as manager?

Eric and Aguero are probably good squad additions, the other two I am very much against.
I didn't really look for an answer regarding Beek, I think I agreed with what you wrote there, but just wanted to moan a bit. I think he as a player could surely play a role in a good Barcelona, even though he is a bit of a glorified Sergi Roberto...

Next manager is tough, I don't have enough insight, hopefully Laporta et al do... I am negative towards most of the ones speculated about, but after having thrown Potters name the other day I thought more about him and think he could fit very well actually! I wonder what you think about Pimienta? The big requirement is obviously authority (which does not equal ability to punch a table or play mind games with players) and secondary to that I think they need one going all out on Barca-DNA and positional play etc.

 

[Sterlingfan2000]

Sacked in the morning?

 

[DonAK]

Laporta actually said to RK that he is not his favourite and that he is looking for other options. Who leaked that? Laporta or RK?

Koeman or his agent obviously. They were the only ones in that meeting apart from Laporta, Yuste and Alemany and the three of them have no incentive leaking Laporta's exact words to the press.

One of Koeman's closest friends also writes for Mundo Deportivo so just put two and two together.....

I never expected Laporta to be this honest about this though. Took me by a surprise.

 

[Porque]

Next manager is tough, I don't have enough insight, hopefully Laporta et al do... I am negative towards most of the ones speculated about, but after having thrown Potters name the other day I thought more about him and think he could fit very well actually! I wonder what you think about Pimienta? The big requirement is obviously authority (which does not equal ability to punch a table or play mind games with players) and secondary to that I think they need one going all out on Barca-DNA and positional play etc.

I'd say yes. If Laporta is a brave and bold (which we know he is) and none of the idealist coaches want the job for one reason or another (Pep, Xavi) then Pimienta is a strong option to have Barcelona playing in an attractive way.

My observation is that he would lean on seniority while also being the closest to understand the level and potential of the youth players. I don't see a problem with that, even if Busquets, Aguero, Roberto are starters. Reason being because he has made players that looked far good players in the B team, extremely functional and improved their whole games towards the teams system and goals. Guys like Rey Manaj, Dani Morer, Cuenca. So I think he can bring the best of our current mid-level players and those looking to prove a point.

A year ago I would say no as I selfishly really like how he has co-ordinated the B team and want to see that continue. But now I would be open to give him a shot.

BTW another guy who has made good achievements since leaving Barcelona (although probably won't want to leave until after World Cup) is Felix Sanchez Bas. He won the Asian Cup with Qatar while playing great football. The only way I say he could be an option is the opportunity to be Barcelona manager, with Xavi becoming the Qatar manager.