Barcelona star says Koeman MUST STAY after Benfica humiliation
Martin Macdonald
- 30 Sept 2021 11:42 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong does not believe sacking Ronald Koeman will solve the team's problems on the pitch.
The Blaugrana have endured a poor start to the 2021/22 season, winning just half of their La Liga games so far.
Draws against Athletic Bilbao, Cadiz and Granada have left Barcelona down in sixth, already five points off the pace of Real Madrid, albeit with a game in hand.
The most worrying displays have come in the Champions League, as Barca have played two matches against Bayern Munich and Benfica, losing 3-0 on both occasions.
TRENDING
The Benfica result was particularly eye-opening as it was a game in which Barcelona would have been targeting all three points.
Koeman trended on Twitter after the game, with many Barca fans calling for him to be sacked, much like they have been for the majority of the past year.
De Jong, though, doesn't want his compatriot to go.
"I can't talk about Koeman, it's not for me to say," he said after the defeat.
"I don't think changing the coach can solve anything.
"We are trying everything, working hard in training, we are trying our best on the field but today was not our day, that is clear."
Sergio Busquets echoed the comments of his team-mate, saying the players have to take responsibility for the results, too.
“In the end the easy thing is to [sack Koeman]," he added.
"But we all have a responsibility. We are in a critical situation."
Who could replace Koeman?
Due to Barcelona's financial situation and the current state of their squad, with no Lionel Messi of course, they are not in a position to be targeting their number one choices.
Though a return of Pep Guardiola of the appointment of Jurgen Klopp is desired, it is currently a fanciful thought.
Names that have been linked with the job are Antonio Conte, Roberto Martinez, Xavi, Luis Enrique and...Jordi Cruyff.
According to reports from Spain, Martinez is the leading contender at the moment due to a special relationship he has with the current sporting director, the aforementioned Cruyff.
While there are many members of Barcelona's board who would prefer to see the return of Xavi, Martinez is wanted by Cruyff and, crucially, Joan Laporta.
The Barca president has spoken of his admiration for Xavi previously but has insisted that the former midfielder needs more experience as a head coach before taking over at Camp Nou.
