Koeman Refuses To Shoulder Blame For Suarez Exit
Ronald Koeman has refused to shoulder all the blame for Luis Suarez’s exit from Barcelona.
Suarez joined Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid earlier this week, ending a six-year stay at the Camp Nou that brought 13 trophies and made him the Blaugrana’s third all-time top scorer with 198 goals in 283 games.
The Uruguayan’s position in the Barcelona team became untenable after being deemed surplus to requirements by the new manager.
Captain Lionel Messi, who agitated for a move away from the club earlier this summer, has gone public with his grievances regarding the way Suarez’s exit has been handled.
But Koeman has refused to take full responsibility for the former Liverpool forward’s departure, insisting the club’s hierarchy also played a role.
"It seemed that I had been the bad guy in this movie, but it is not like that," Koeman said ahead of the Blaugrana's LaLiga opener against Villarreal.
"Since the call [regarding Suarez's future], I have shown respect for him and I have always told him that it can be difficult to play but, if he stayed, he would be one of the squad.
"Before I signed the contract, the club was thinking about things, and I have tried to support those things. They are not just decisions of the coach.
"Luis and I respect each other and we have spoken clearly about his future. He had the opportunity to go to Atletico and I wish all the luck in the world."
