The Dutchman is enduring a torrid time in the Camp Nou hot-seat as the La Liga giants find themselves in the midst of a financial crisis but sacking him could only worsen their situation
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Koeman says Barcelona must move on after Messi exit
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is hardly a popular figure among the Camp Nou faithful as the club sit tenth in the La Liga table after bidding farewell to club legend Lionel Messi earlier this summer, but parting ways with the Dutchman may only make matters worse.
The former Southampton and Everton manager is out of contract with Barca in less than 12 months time, but the pair are yet to negotiate a new deal that would extend his stay beyond June 2022.
While performances under Koeman have left a lot to be desired – the recent 3-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League another low in a particularly bleak chapter of Barca’s history, allowing him to leave at the end of his contract could prove costly.
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According to Spanish outlet Marca, a clause in Koeman’s contract means that the Dutchman will pocket at least €6m from Barcelona if the Camo Nou hierarchy opt against renewing his current contract.
The report claims that the clause was included by former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and is related to the amount Koeman paid the Dutch Football Association to terminate his deal with the national side to join Barca in the first place.
Koeman is thought to be under such pressure in the Barca hot-seat that he may not even see out the end of this season if result’s do not improve quickly.
Pulling the trigger on Koeman before the end of the season however, will cost the club even more – around €14m in fact, the amount required to pay the 58-year-old in compensation.
Barcelona’s last three home Champions League fixtures have seen them face some stern opposition in Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich – but Koeman’s men have barely laid a glove on any – seeing them lose to an aggregate score of 10-1.
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The Blaugrana’s next three fixtures could determine Koeman’s fate, given all three are league fixtures against opposition Barca should be beating in Granada, Cadiz and Levante respectively.
However, they are in the midst of a staggering injury crisis which sees Pedri, Jordi Alba, Ansu Fati, Sergio Aguero, and Ousmane Dembele all ruled out of action.
Koeman caused quite the stir recently after he was asked for his view on extending his stay, when he said: “I’m open to staying, I’m having a good time. Thanks to me, this club has a future,” the last remark sparking anger from a Barca fanbase whose morale is the lowest it has been in years.
