Another loss for Barcelona, this time to Real Madrid. Is it the end for Koeman?

It seems clear that former Netherlands international Ronald Koeman’s days on the Barca bench are slowly running out. The club’s directorate is already looking for a potential replacement and the names of Roberto Martinez or club legend Xavi Hernandez are being heard more and more frequently in connection with the Blaugranas’ managerial vacancy.

More and more blows must be dealt to coach Koeman and his ambitions at the helm of the Camp Nou club. Losing to Real Madrid is understandable, not least given the current balance of power, but the former Dutch national team coach has managed to lose all three El Clásico matches he has led his charges to in blue and white.

It has to be said that the game itself was a rather pleasant surprise from Barca’s side in Sunday’s match and the twelve shots produced were also a pleasant surprise, however, after the goals of David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez, as two defenders of the White Ballet, the home team capitulated.

The consolation prize for the home fans at Camp Nou could have been at least the debut goal of summer arrival Sergio Agüero, who in the 97th minute corrected the result to the final 1: 2.

The recall of the hero of the 1992 PEMZ (European Champions Cup, the predecessor of today’s Champions League) final has been in the air for some time. Carlo Ancelotti and his charges certainly added another question mark, even an exclamation point, over the former Barcelona stopper in Sunday’s Spanish La Liga Round 9 showdown.

While the club’s management has been roundly and loyally showing its support for Koeman, apart from the dislike of the Catalan giant’s fans, there are also leaked reports of a rift between the coach and the FCB players themselves. However, only the club’s directive, headed by president Joan Laporta, knows how many more games the Dutchman will get to repair the damage done.

Source: Livesport