"I didn't receive the same support from the president as Xavi" - Ronald Koeman takes another dig at Barcelona and Joan Laporta
Former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has taken a dig at the club and its president, Joan Laporta. He said that he didn't receive the same support that was offered to Xavi Hernandez.
Koeman was appointed Barca manager ahead of the 2020–21 season. The Blaugrana finished third in La Liga that season, seven points behind winners Atletico Madrid and five behind Real Madrid. They did win the Copa del Rey, though.
They had a poor run of results the following season and Koeman was sacked in October 2021 as Barcelona sat ninth in the table. They announced Xavi as the Dutchman's replacement a week later.
In a recent interview, Koeman, who now manages the Netherlands national team, was asked if Barca president Joan Laporta was more patient with Xavi than him. He answered (via Barca Blaugranes):
“Yes, I already said it. I did not receive the same support from the president as Xavi received. At that moment they fired me I think we were nine points behind Madrid. And now they are down to ten. To be successful you have to have the support of the president."
This comes following Koeman's dig at the club regarding Frenkie de Jong's injury ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, Xavi led Barcelona to a La Liga title and the Supercopa de Espana in his first full season (2022–23). However, he had a poor 2023-24 campaign as they finished trophyless and the Spaniard was sacked at the end of the season.
Ronald Koeman provides Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong injury update
Frenkie de Jong has joined the Netherlands' squad for UEFA Euro 2024 but is likely to miss the entirety of the campaign. The midfielder suffered an ankle injury in April and as per Ronald Koeman, he was rushed back into action by the Barcelona staff.
Providing an update on De Jong's injury, Koeman said (via Barca Blaugranes):
“We have considered that Frenkie de Jong will not be fit for the next three weeks. He had a history with this injury to his right ankle and it is not advisable to take risks. His club did take risks before and now we have to pay the price.”
He recently added:
“Injuries have affected his level in recent months, of course, I think he was not 100% to play against PSG and Real Madrid in the last games of the season, but he needs time to be at his highest level.”
De Jong made 30 appearances across competitions for Barcelona last season and scored two goals.