The Catalan giants lost El Clasico 2-1 to their bitter rivals Real Madrid at the Nou Camp on Sunday and there were some unsavoury scenes following the full-time whistle
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Koeman says Barcelona must move on after Messi exit
Barcelona have released a public statement condemning ‘violent’ and ‘disdainful’ acts from their own supporters towards manager Ronald Koeman following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid.
In the first El Clasico to be played in front of a full house since before the pandemic, Los Blancos took a first-half lead through a wonderful strike from David Alaba.
Although Barca pressed for an equaliser in the second-half, Lucas Vazquez wrapped up victory for the away side late on, albeit there was still time for Sergio Aguero to get his first goal for his new club with a last-second consolation.
The result sees more pressure piled on Koeman, who has been tipped for the sack over the last few months.
And there were shameful scenes outside the stadium after full-time as a large group of Barca fans mobbed the Dutchman’s car as he attempted to drive away from the ground.
Some slammed the bonnet and windows, while others yelled obscenities, and audible cries of “Get out!” and “Get to the street” can be heard.
On Sunday evening Barcelona posted on social media slamming the culprits, and said they would be ensuring nothing similar happens in the future.
“FC Barcelona publicly condemns the violent and disdainful acts that our manager experienced when leaving the Camp Nou,” the statement read.
“The Club will take security and disciplinary measures so that such unfortunate events do not happen again.”
Koeman attempted to take positives from the loss when speaking to the press after the match, but he could not hide his frustration with defender Sergino Dest, who missed a glorious opportunity just minutes before Alaba opened the scoring for Madrid.
“We had a very clear chance to go 1-0 up and shortly afterwards Madrid took the lead,” Koeman said in the mixed zone after full-time.
“It’s a totally different game if we go ahead. You simply have to score such a clear opportunity.
“I am disappointed with the result but the team tried until the last second. We didn’t create many clear opportunities. It was an even match but in the end the small details proved key.
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Image:
Enric Fontcuberta/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
“It is difficult to find positives from losing at home to Madrid, but I liked the attitude of the players.
“There is another game on Wednesday, the season is very long so we will keep fighting.”
Barca next take on Rayo Vallecano, where surely anything but victory would see Koeman handed his marching orders.
A five-point gap has now opened up between themselves and league leaders Real, with Barca languishing down in eighth position.
And with the likes of Antonio Conte potentially waiting in the wings, Koeman will be nervously looking over his shoulder.
