Ronald Koeman‘s most recent involvement on the international stage was with the Netherlands as he led them to the semi-finals of the 2024 Euros in Germany. Despite a controversial exit from the competition, Koeman has a lot to look forward to with the national team. Prior to him taking the job with the national team, the 61-year-old spent significant time at the helm with FC Barcelona.
In a recent interview, the Dutchman was quizzed of a potential return to the club. Even though his dismissal was much anticipated after a disastrous end to the 2020/21 season, Koeman hinted at unresolved issues with club management and the President in particular as he pushed aside all possibilities of an immediate return to the club.
I dream of returning to Barcelona, but not with the President (Joan Laporta). He doesn't respect the club's legends.Ronald Koeman said in an interview
The Dutchman still has two years left on his contract with the Netherlands and will most likely lead the team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. President John Laporta has come under significant criticism in the past for his treatment of Lionel Messi as well.
Ronald Koeman calls for ‘Mbappe-like’ players at Barcelona
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have been ‘eternal’ rivals to say the least. The Los Blancos have time and again come up against the Blaugrana in their pursuit for domestic glory in Spain, with titles shared between the two sides more often than not.
However, time hasn’t been kind to the men from Catalonia, with their problems going from finance to player management and much more. Speaking to the press, former Barca manager Ronald Koeman shared his take on what the club needs at the moment.
In many aspects, Madrid is superior to Barca. Madrid's team is for the future. Barca needs people like Mbappe, who make differences in every way.Ronald Koeman told SPORT
Madrid have brought in Kylian Mbappe, Endrick and many other players in recent seasons and have evidently pulled away from their rivals.
Koeman however, acknowledged the fact that Barcelona have a lot of young talent in Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi and the rest. However, he urged the media to avoid all sorts of comparisons between Yamal and Lionel Messi. The fact that Barcelona’s current No.19 has shown that he is capable of brilliance at such a young age is in itself an achievement.
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