Ronald Koeman strongly criticized Barcelonaās board for its handling of the clubās legends, including Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and himself. He said all this at a recent event, called the Koeman Cup.
The Dutch coach even referred to the injury suffered by Frenkie De Jong, which prevented him from being present with the Netherlands during Euro 2024. He also spoke about the arrival of Hansi Flick to the BarƧa bench.
Ronald Koemanās time as BarƧa coach was quite complicated, in times of crisis marked by the pandemic, the Clubās financial problems and the departure of the great star Lionel Messi before the start of the 2021/22 season. However, under Koemanās leadership they won the 2021 Copa del Rey.
Koeman and the treatment of FC Barcelona legends
āItās sad that he is out of BarƧa (Xavi), that I am out of BarƧa, that Messi is outā¦ It seems that the legends of the club donāt look like anything for the board,ā Koeman said. The Dutch coach also referred to Frenkie de Jongās injury, Koeman expressed concern about De Jongās injury and wished him a speedy recovery.
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Ronald Koeman, Head coach of FC Barcelona look dejected following the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta at Camp Nou on May 16, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
What did Koeman say about the arrival of coach Hansi Flick to FC Barcelona?
On Flick, Koeman said that he is a āgreat coachā, but that āBarcelona is Barcelonaā and that Flick will have to adapt to the clubās culture. Koemanās words will surely generate controversy in Barcelonaās environment. Koeman hopes Flick will succeed at Barcelona and that he can return the club to the top of European football.
