Laporta accused of being ‘arrogant and unprofessional’ towards Koeman by former Barcelona star

Martin Macdonald

• 2 Jun 2021 14:22 BST
• 4 min read

Former Barcelona star and current head coach of the Netherlands national side Frank de Boer believes club president Joan Laporta has acted with arrogance and unprofessionalism in his recent treatment of Ronald Koeman.

Koeman was brought in to steady the ship after Barcelona failed to win a major trophy in a single campaign for the first time in 12 years in 2019/20 under Quique Setien.

READ MORE: Koeman’s future at Barcelona will be decided ‘in a week or 10 days’ says president Laporta

The Dutchman did bring silverware back to Camp Nou in 2020/21 with the acquisition of the Spanish Cup, but the Blaugrana finished third in La Liga behind Real Madrid and winners Atletico Madrid, and were also eliminated from the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Paris Saint-Germain

Off the pitch the club went into further turmoil as president Josep Maria Bartomeu was exiled, with former president Laporta eventually being elected a few months later.

Twice over the last couple of days, Laporta has commented on Koeman’s future at the club, saying he and the other directors will decide within the next fortnight whether they will sack the former Everton head coach and try and find a replacement.

De Boer defends Koeman

De Boer, who played for Barcelona between 1999 and 2003, believes Koeman is not being treated fairly, especially given the timeline aspect provided by Laporta, who may or may not decide to relieve him of his duties.

“Ronald knew when it came that it was a difficult time,” De Boer told Marca.

“The departure of players like Luis Suarez affected the dressing room, especially Lionel Messi, but the team did well by winning the Cup. It was a shame about LaLiga. They were close. Some said that Koeman was responsible, but Barcelona returned to believe with him and Messi recovered his numbers.

“Koeman has done a good job. I do not understand what is happening. Laporta is a great person, but it is strange to act like that.

Telling a coach to wait 15 days is unprofessional, arrogant.

“Ronald doesn’t deserve it. It is a rare situation, it is not the best way to do things. We will soon know why he has done so. I hope he stays and continues to prove himself. He deserves it.”

Barcelona have already started rebuilding for next season whether Koeman is the coach or not, as within the last few days they have announced the signings of Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal.

Gini Wijnaldum of Liverpool and Memphis Depay will become free agents soon and both are expected to make the move to Camp Nou also.