Koeman can handle the Benfica debacle! He deserves time and trust, says Barcelona president

Barcelona have not started the new season well at all. It almost seems that what has kept it afloat in the recent past has been Lionel Messi. It really isn’t the same without him. Coach Ronald Koeman has come under criticism, but his dismissal is not imminent.

Eight competitive games, only three wins, three draws and two losses. That is Barcelona’s current unflattering record this season.

After six games played, they are in eighth place in the league with 12 points and a not very dazzling 11::5 record.

In the Champions League, however, the situation is much worse. The Catalans did not beat Bayern or Benfica. They lost both games 3: 0, were the worse team in both games and after two duels in the millionaire competition are waiting for their first shot between the three poles.

So the crisis is not only in results, but also in the game. The fans are loudly calling for the end of Ronald Koeman, who is constantly looking for excuses and blame for his poor form anywhere but himself. Moreover, he claims that he is the reason Barcelona has a future.

But the recall is unlikely to happen. At least, that’s what the club president Joan Laporta said.

“Koeman will continue as Barcelona coach. He deserves time to be trusted. He loves Barcelona. I have spoken to him and drawn conclusions. I appreciate that he is leading the club even in such a difficult situation,” Laporta was heard to say.

According to the Barcelona boss, the best is yet to come. Barcelona have been plagued by some injuries and when all the players recover, Koeman will have an interesting selection of players to turn to.

Meanwhile, there has been loud talk recently about the cold and hostile relationship Koeman and Laporta have with each other. But that’s not true: ” We have a good and honest relationship. He is a good person and I believe he thinks the same of me. We are trying to make things better.”

Barcelona play at Atlético Madrid on Saturday night. Even another possible loss is unlikely to affect Koeman’s future.

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