Following yesterday’s shocking 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo, Barcelona are officially out of the LaLiga title race. The Blaugrana were level at halftime but bottled the lead in the second half. Both goals could have been prevented by the team, but things did not go in their favour.
In the fallout of the match, Barcelona are now reported to be 99% convinced that they will be replacing Ronald Koeman as the manager of the club in the summer. That is despite the former Netherlands international manager leading the club to a Copa del Rey title.
In early 2021, Barcelona managed to put together an unbeaten streak stretching 19 games. A defeat to Real Madrid in the second El Clasico of the season was the first step in the downfall of the club’s season. Although they won the Spanish cup, their performance in the league has been disappointing.
Barcelona have conceded 12 goals in their last seven matches and have thrown away their chances of winning the domestic double. Koeman’s inability to recognise midfield profiles also plays into the criticism of the coach. Riqui Puig has been unused in games against oppositions that sit deep, while central midfielders like Ilaix Moriba have been chosen instead.
Koeman’s disinterest towards perfection also does not align with the brand of football that Barcelona so proudly associate themselves with. All these factors, coupled with their instability throughout the season is the reason why Koeman is only set to be a transitional coach. Also, Laporta and Xavi set to discuss terms of his return to Barcelona as head coach.
