Koeman Grateful To Laporta For Stay Of Execution
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has thanked club president Joan Laporta for his public vote of confidence.
In a surprising turn of events on Saturday, Laporta announced before Barcelona’s game at Atletico Madrid that the under-fire Koeman will continue to remain at the helm of the embattled side.
Koeman was not on the bench at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium as Barcelona lost 2-0 to the La Liga champions as he was serving a suspension.
The former Netherlands manager is under pressure following Barcelona’s poor start to the season which has seen them win just three of their seven La Liga games and lose all two of their Champions League matches.
"The conversation I had [with Laporta] over the phone last night was very good," Koeman said after the defeat to Atleti.
"We also spoke this morning about the squad, the club and other things. At least now there is some clarity in that sense. It's important for the dressing room that there is clarity.
"But we are Barcelona, and now we have to start winning games. The pressure exists for any coach, particularly at Barcelona. After the break, we have three games we must win.
"We have spoken together and the president has made his decision."
Asked if he would have liked Laporta's backing sooner, Koeman said: "I think so, but we must highlight that it has now been said, and it will bring us tranquillity."
