‘I will not fire anyone’: Barcelona interim president Carles Tusquets fully supports Ronald Koeman despite a nightmare start to the season as he say a leader is ‘doing well’ and ‘I fully support’
- Barcelona are struggling this season under Ronald Koeman, who was announced in August
- The Catalan side lies fifth in LaLiga, as close to the 18th as they are to Atletico in the first place.
- But interim president Carles Tusquets has expressed public support for the vice-president Holland
Barcelona’s interim president, Carles Tusquets, has given his full support to under-fire manager Ronald Koeman.
The club have been in turmoil on and off the pitch with the contract position of captain and talisman Lionel Messi unresolved, presidential elections set for January 24 and the team performing poorly.
But Tusquets, who are currently under temporary leadership behind the scenes after Josep Bartomeu resigned and ahead of next month’s elections, insisted he would keep Koeman.
Ronald Koeman has been struggling as Barcelona manager since his appointment in August 2020
And the 69-year-old, in particular, praised the Dutchman’s commitment to youth and the consistent use of promising players like Pedri, Ansu Fati and several others.
He told Mundo Deportivo: ‘I will not fire anyone. [Ronald] Koeman is doing well, he has great criteria, he has bet on the youth system and young players. He really supports and always will. I’ve eaten with him lately and found him optimistic. ‘
Speaking about Lionel Messi and the economic situation at the club, he said: ‘I think he has the answer. If we look at his contract, it is his decision.
Koeman criticized his side’s defensive performance after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Valencia
But Barcelona’s interim president, Carles Tusquets, has publicly fully supported Koeman
‘When the stadium reopens it will not be very difficult to get this club back, not in the realm of the economy and I hope it will not be in the realm of sport.
‘Barcelona are promising a new generation of players, which is fitting for the club right now as we are in the middle of a circle change.’
The Catalan club are currently struggling in LaLiga, lying in fifth place but as close to Getafe in 18th place in the relegation zone as they are to the leaders of Atletico Madrid.
The future of talisman Lionel Messi remains uncertain as his contract expires in six months
They lost more ground in the title race by a disappointing 2-2 draw against Valencia on Saturday, while Koeman criticized the weak defense of his side during the game.
There is also uncertainty about the fate of several first-team stars, with Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho reporting on the cutting block.
Presidential candidates Emili Rousaud and Joan Laporta have also given their views on the future of Messi – who can start negotiations with foreign clubs to leave on a free transfer from January.
