Guardiola Backs Koeman Over Barcelona Stay Decision
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he is happy Ronald Koeman has been allowed to stay on as Barcelona head coach.
Koeman’s position in the Camp Nou dugout came under intense scrutiny after Barcelona ended the 2020/2021 season on a poor note.
The 58-year-old Dutchman led Barcelona to third place in the league in his first full season in charge and won the Copa del Rey but the Blaugrana were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the round of 16 stage by Paris Saint Germain.
Koeman signed a two-year contract when he replaced Quique Setien as Barcelona manager last year and new president Joan Laporta confirmed last week that the former Netherlands and Everton manager will be staying on for another season.
Guardiola is adamant Koeman fared well in his first season in Catalonia and is happy to see him get another chance to impress.
"Koeman is the ideal coach for next season, I spoke to Laporta and I am very happy the president is convinced," Guardiola said to Cadena SER.
"I am a good friend of Ronald. It has been a difficult year for everyone and Ronald deserves one more year, with people in the stadium.
"Besides, second years are always better.
"At times the team has played very well, they are among those who played better football in Spain.
"They fell at the end when he was close to winning and Atletico won the league, but he won the cup and in general were very good."
