PICTURED: APA / AFP / CRISTINA QUICLER
While the two clubs from the capital go into the seventh La Liga round at the weekend as the top duo, there is frustration at the third major Spanish club. Coach Ronald Koeman expect further public discussions about his future after the next setback with FC Barcelona. Barca had to be content with a 0-0 draw against Cadiz on Thursday, with Viennese talent Yusuf Demir playing in the first half.
“For you it seems like this: If I win, I'll keep going, if I lose, a new coach has to be found,” said Koeman after the disappointing zero number. The Dutchman emphasized that it was not about his personal situation. If President Joan Laporta and the club wanted to talk to him, there would be plenty of opportunity to do so. Before the game, Laporta had backed his coach, but also called for better performances.
Barca have only taken nine points from their first five league games of the season. At least since the 3-0 draw against FC Bayern at the start of the Champions League, the Spanish media have speculated that Koeman will soon be replaced. Club legend Xavi is mentioned as a possible successor. “The only thing I have to do is keep working with the team. I have a very good feeling with this team,” said Koeman, who saw the red card in the finish. He is only allowed to take a seat in the stands on Sunday against Levante. If he doesn't win, his time as Barcelona coach should be over.
The 58-year-old asked for patience again. “You have to see the squad we have, the people we miss,” said Koeman, referring to the injured list. He would have lacked seven potential regulars against Cadiz. This brought Demir back a place in the starting XI. At the break, the 18-year-old striker was replaced. The sports newspaper “Mundo Deportivo” described the appearance of the right winger as “shy”. Demir “took little risk, the question remains whether he has the level for Barca or it is due to inexperience,” the paper wrote in an assessment.
Barcelona are in deep transition after superstar Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain. Because of the billions in debt, the Catalans' hands were recently tied on the transfer market. Koeman is also said to have not been kicked out to date because of a high severance payment that would then be due.
Laporta's predecessor Josep Bartomeu bought Koeman out of his contract as Dutch national coach. However, Barcelona did not have the almost six million euro transfer fee. So, according to media reports, Koeman paid for it himself and signed a two-year contract. The catch: If the contract is not extended for a third year, Barcelona will have to repay him the six million.
Barcelona professional Sergi Roberto is still convinced of the team. “We have a team that can play for the title and I don't think other clubs have better teams.” The veteran Gerard Pique made a similar statement. “I don't want to wear the Barcelona shirt to finish second or third. I'm here to fight for the title,” said the defender, but also said: “We are going through a difficult situation that we are not used to. Everyone wants to win and there are many ways to deal with it. We can all complain or we can work. The players are here to work. “
Barcelona (9 points) now want to take the first step out of the crisis against the still winless Levante in order not to widen the gap to leaders Real Madrid (16) and Atletico Madrid (14), who are visiting the bottom of the league, Deportivo Alaves, with no points permit. Real with ÖFB star David Alaba want to continue the strong start to the season on Saturday in the home game against Villarreal. Real have only given up points once and scored an impressive 21 goals in six games, ten more than the next best team. This is not least due to Karim Benzema, who has eight goals and seven assists.
