Three reasons why Barcelona have not sacked Koeman
Robin Bairner
- 30 Sept 2021 08:20 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona's nightmare goes on, with Ronald Koeman clinging to his job after a 3-0 away defeat to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Having failed to make the quarter-finals of the competition last season, the prospect of Barca even making the knockout stages of the tournament this time around is already distant.
While Barcelona are looking at the very real prospect of dropping into the Europa League - at best - by the time 2022 rolls around, domestically they are faring almost as badly. Recent draws with Granada and Cadiz have them sixth in La Liga, albeit with a game in hand.
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Barcelona have fallen spectacularly in recent months, and while Koeman cannot be the sole person blamed for this, there is a sense that he is ripping what’s left of the heart in the club with a succession of agricultural and unworthy displays.
So why has president Joan Laporta, whose relationship with the Dutchman is tense, not sacked him yet?
Packed calendar
The 1-1 draw against Granada might have been the final straw for Koeman had it taken place in any normal week. However, hot on the heels of that match was a Thursday trip to Cadiz which was just as uninspiring after finishing in a 0-0 draw and a red card for star Frenkie de Jong.
Then came a fixture with Levante, which they won handsomely, and the fateful Benfica clash. At the weekend, Atletico Madrid lurk.
But then comes the international break, which is surely a convenient stopping off place for the failing coach.
Lack of money
Barcelona’s crippling financial position is well known, so if they are going to get rid of Koeman – a process that is estimated to cost around €10 million – they must make sure it is a decision they are absolutely comfortable with.
That means planning future transfer and wage ramifications as these could impact any incoming coach.
Each passing defeat makes the decision likelier, though.
Lack of credible alternatives
Barcelona have been linked with a host of coaches, but how many of them are suitable for the job? Several of the names associated with the club have failed elsewhere or have little pedigree, while others are either unsuitable for the club’s mentality or may not take over due to the high expectations and difficult challenge.
Xavi is the man widely considered to be the best bet to take over, yet he has recently tied himself to a new deal in Qatar. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique and Roberto Martinez are two of the other more credible names in the frame, yet both are already employed at international level.
