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Tag: Ronald Koeman

  • El Clasico controversy regarding the referee ignoring linesman’s call of Ramos’ foul on Lenglet and awarding a penalty to Real Madrid

    El Clasico controversy regarding the referee ignoring linesman’s call of Ramos’ foul on Lenglet and awarding a penalty to Real Madrid

    The El Clasico proved to be a treat to watch with millions of fan tuning in from across the world to witness a footballing spectacle. Ultimately in the end though, Real Madrid claimed bragging rights after a 3-1 victory over Ronald Koeman’s new-look Barcelona.

    Much like any clash involving historic rivals, there were a couple of controversies and incidents which induced infuriation and confusion between both sets of supporters. However, there was none more than the penalty awarded to Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid in the 63rd minute.

    It was a game-changer as at the time both teams were level at 1-1, and it gave the Los Blancos that extra incentive to secure an outright win.

    https://youtu.be/FPgxsR7LVWo

    However, as the highlights video reveals from 7:38, there was an initial foul on Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet before Sergio Ramos’ shirt got tugged. The VAR decided, however, that it was a penalty which Ramos converted and made it 2-1.

    But, a media report now reveals that despite the linesman spotting the push on Lenglet, the on-field referee Juan Martinez Munuera decided to proceed with the penalty call anyway.

    What was also curious is that despite Lenglet tugging Ramos’ shirt from the front, the fall saw the Real Madrid captain go backwards. Was there perhaps an element of simulation from his end, and more importantly, should it have been a yellow card for him instead of a penalty to Madrid?

    El Clasico LIVE: Real Madrid wins El Clasico, defeats Barcelona 3-1, Check Highlights

    Ronald Koeman also spoke vehemently about the influence of referees in their match results so far and was quoted as saying, “I don’t understand VAR, every decision against Barça. In five games, not one in favour and many examples: the (non) penalty on Messi against Sevilla, the (non) red cards for Getafe and today… there are always pulls in the area.”

    Barcelona will now apparently file an official complaint with the RFEF – the Spanish match officials’ organisation – and decided to request for further clarification over these incidents. It will interest to see how these developments will pan out over the course of the next few weeks.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/10/25/claims-of-ansu-fati-is-the-youngest-ever-goalscorer-in-el-clasico-is-not-true/
  • Ronald Koeman: “Messi’s performances could be better”

    Ronald Koeman: “Messi’s performances could be better”

    Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest ever player to play this game is unfortunately not in the best of his form. He may not be in the twilight of his career but probably his age has taken a toll on him.

    The Argentine superstar has scored just one goal in four appearances this campaign. On top of that, he put in a below-par performance in the defeat at Getafe last weekend.

    The 33-year-old’s only goal of this season was a penalty against Villarreal. More alarmingly, he has scored just seven goals in 19 appearances since football resumed in Spain in June and out of the seven, four were penalties.

    Messi has averaged close to a goal per game for much of the past decade, so it is certainly a matter of concern.

    Fati, Coutinho and Messi impress as Barca break the curse of Balaidos

    Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman said, as quoted by Sport: “It may be that Messi’s performance could be better at the moment, but he is happy, he wants to be team captain and is improving. He also had bad luck with the ball to the post and on the last play of the game. I have no doubt in his performance and we will see it in the next matches.”

    Barcelona needs their star man in his best form right now as there are some very important fixtures coming up. The Catalans will play in the Champions League before hosting Real Madrid in this season’s first El Clasico this weekend.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/10/18/barcelona-and-real-madrid-defeated-by-1-0-what-it-means-for-el-clasico/
  • Ronald Koeman confirms he wants Memphis Depay at Barcelona

    Ronald Koeman confirms he wants Memphis Depay at Barcelona

    A transfer that was heavily rumoured ever since the appointment of Ronald Koeman as Barcelona boss is now set to be completed in the winter transfer window at the earliest. 

    Memphis Depay is the name that has attracted the most attention from the media, linking him to Barcelona to reunite with his former national team coach. After Koeman’s statement on the player, it seems only a matter of time before the reunion is complete. 

    Ronald Koeman wants to make five or six signings for the upcoming season

    “That (a move for Depay) is certainly a possibility. I will try, because I would like to have him here,” he stated in an interview with AD, through Spanish publication Marca. 

    “But I cannot estimate now what the financial situation of the club is in January. We will have to wait to see it.

    “I do not have the role to decide this, it depends on the club. For me, it is a matter of waiting. We want Memphis because he is a great player and because he has qualities that, in my opinion, we lack, especially in depth in our attack.”

    Considering that coaches are normally reluctant to talk about players from other clubs, it is quite unorthodox behaviour from Koeman. However, his upfront nature regarding the transfer link leaves no room for false speculation. 

    According to the higher authorities at Lyon, Memphis Depay had agreed personal terms with Barcelona a long time ago. The Blaugrana were unable to sell enough to raise funds for the Dutchman, which is why Memphis is still playing his football at Lyon. 

    Memphis is currently on the last year of his contract at Lyon, which is set to expire in July of next year. Lyon would be wise to not lose one of their most prized assets for free and to cash in on him in the winter. 

    A bid worth €20 million should be enough to persuade Lyon to let go of the Dutch forward in the winter. However, things could always take a turn considering the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the modern game. 

    For now, it seems imminent that we will see Memphis Depay in a Barcelona shirt next year. Whether that happens in January or in July is the question that remains unanswered.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/10/15/barcelona-players-are-reportedly-impressed-with-training-under-new-manager-ronald-koeman/
  • Koeman and Barcelona expect Messi to leave in the upcoming transfer window

    Koeman and Barcelona expect Messi to leave in the upcoming transfer window

    This summer’s hottest rumoured transfer in Lionel Messi to Manchester City seems to have been a sign of things to come. Barcelona and Ronald Koeman are reportedly “resigned” to lose one of their greatest assets in either of the upcoming transfer windows. 

    Though there have been multiple reports that state that City could make a £15 million bid for Messi in the January transfer window, Koeman’s statement on the issue seems to offer more clarity on the situation. 

    In the original quote, published by the Mirror, Ronald Koeman says the following about speculation regarding the Argentinian’s wish to leave in the summer.

    “I was always hoping Messi would stay for this season. If he had left in the summer, I would have had a very different situation at Barca.”

    “He wanted to leave but the club was very clear to him. The buy out clause was so high, that not a single club in the world was going to pay that in these times.”

    GRAF7975. BARCELONA, 31/08/2020.- El nuevo entrenador del FC Barcelona, el holandés Ronald Koeman, durante el primer entrenamiento que dirige como técnico del Barça, hoy lunes en la Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper, en San Juan Despí, Barcelona. EFE/Miguel Ruiz/FC Barcelona ***SOLO USO EDITORIAL/NO VENTAS***

    “I went to his house and took time to listen to all the things he said. But I also explained to him that I had not been a part of the problems he had with the club and told him how I was going to work to change things.”

    “We ended up talking about football tactics. It ended as a proper football chat and that convinced me he is a real lover of the game and he still wanted to put everything he has into Barcelona.”

    Messi's father is already in talks with Manchester City

    Messi has made over 700 appearances for Barcelona and has only ever played for the Blaugrana in his professional career.

    After Koeman’s attitude and statement on the subject, it only seems to be a matter of time before their greatest ever player decides to move on. Whether that happens in the winter or next summer, is something that remains to be seen. 

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/10/18/barcelona-and-real-madrid-defeated-by-1-0-what-it-means-for-el-clasico/
  • Barcelona players are reportedly impressed with training under new manager Ronald Koeman

    Barcelona players are reportedly impressed with training under new manager Ronald Koeman

    What a difference a football manager can make to a club within a matter of just a few months! Just about this time in June, Barcelona were losing the pursuit of their domestic league and handed a massive defeat at the hands of eventual UCL champions Bayern Munich.

    And now, with the arrival of former Netherlands and Everton manager Ronald Koeman, there is an air of positivity as far as the sporting perspective of FC Barcelona is concerned.  

    Barcelona: Boss Ronald Koeman has spoken honestly since appointment - Football Espana

    The players are reportedly enjoying the training schedule set by Koeman and his staff, as well as the clarity in communication channels opened amongst the players’ group and management. It has resulted in back-to-back wins for Barcelona against Villarreal and Sevilla, two good quality oppositions.

    An ability to manage the varied egos of the players playing at the club as well as rally and organise the squad to gel amongst each other is a trait that not all football managers possess. There is also a sense of enjoyment at the club, which is most important from a morale point of view as footballers will always play better when they are in the right frame of mind. 

    Barcelona vs. Sevilla live stream: How to watch La Liga soccer 2020, time, channel - pennlive.com

    However, their collective abilities will be put to the test as they take on Real Madrid in the El Clasico in a few days’ time. Los Blancos have started particularly well like Barcelona and will be aiming for another win that gives them an early advantage in the La Liga season.

    For Koeman, there is no need to explain the importance of such a huge clash as he has been part of many El Clasicos during his time as a Barcelona player. What will, however, be a challenge for him, is executing the gameplans he has so far been successful with.

    As well as the players’ reciprocity to his tactical system in the early days of the league. For these performances will set the tone for the way they play their games for the rest of the season. FC Barcelona take on Real Madrid on the 24th October at the Camp Nou, and Koeman will be hoping his good work does not go for nought in this electric clash.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/10/11/didier-deschamps-asks-koeman-to-learn-from-french-national-team/
  • Didier Deschamps asks Koeman to learn from French national team

    Didier Deschamps asks Koeman to learn from French national team

    The €120 million that Barcelona paid for Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann seems like an absolute bust a year later. Especially considering that Griezmann has been a shadow of his former self at Camp Nou despite the arrival of new coach Ronald Koeman at Camp Nou. 

    The French attacker has not been played in his natural position out through the centre and has instead being placed on the right wing which formerly belonged to Lionel Messi.

    Villarreal 1-4 Barcelona: A brilliant Saurez, intelligent Messi & stunning Griezmann, youngsters shine again

    National Coach Didier Deschamps has noticed his prized asset’s plight at Barcelona and has advised Koeman to look at the France national team to see how he can get the best out of the 29-year-old. 

    “I am sure he is not happy with this situation,” Didier Deschamps said earlier this week. “I don’t interfere with the use of my players in other clubs, be at Barca or anyone else. 

    “Antoine is playing on the right there at the moment. It’s true that Koeman said, and told him, that he did not understand that he was used to playing in a more central position.”

    From a more tactical point of view, the problem arises due to the team being built around a star player of the stature of Lionel Messi. 

    Although it is undisputed that Messi is vital in leading the attack, his contribution to tracking back and defending is minimal, which is one of the reasons why Barcelona have been so shaky in the right-back position ever since the departure of their star right-back Dani Alves. 

    Hence, following the departure of Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid, Koeman’s decision of playing Messi out through the centre makes sense because of the Argentinian’s versatility to lead the frontline. 

    However, Griezmann is still being played out of position and it is safe to say that the modification of the duties given to the Frenchman are hindering his overall performances at Camp Nou.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/10/10/barcelona-sure-to-land-memphis-depay-in-the-winter-transfer-window/
  • Ronald Koeman insists he isn’t the ‘Bad Guy’ in Suarez’s transfer to Atletico Madrid

    Ronald Koeman insists he isn’t the ‘Bad Guy’ in Suarez’s transfer to Atletico Madrid

    New Barcelona coach, former player Ronald Koeman was rumoured not to have Suarez in his plans and the club wanted the Uruguayan out of Camp Nou. Suarez, the third-highest goal scorer for Barcelona in their history was reluctant to leave and wanted to fight for his place at Barcelona. But the board has finally won as Suarez has been forced to join Atletico Madrid.

    Ronald Koeman has now spoken about the departure of Suarez to Atletico Madrid. He insisted that he isn’t the ‘Bad Guy’ in this transfer drama.

    Koeman said ahead of Barcelona’s match against Villarreal: “It seemed that I had been the bad guy in this movie, but it is not like that.”

    “Since the call [regarding Suarez’s future], I have shown respect for him and I have always told him that it can be difficult to play but, if he stayed, he would be one of the squad.”

    “Before I signed the contract, the club was thinking about things, and I have tried to support those things. They are not just decisions of the coach.”

    “Luis and I respect each other and we have spoken clearly about his future. He had the opportunity to go to Atletico and I wish all the luck in the world.”

    Messi posted on Instagram a farewell message for Suarez. But the main surprising part of the message was this part, “not to get kicked out like they did. But the truth is that at this point nothing surprises me.”

    Koeman added: “It is normal for him to be upset that a friend has left, but I have no doubt about Messi. I have seen him train.”

    “If you ask the coaches who have been at Barca, they will surely tell you that they have never had a quiet day.”

    “I knew that when I had to face changes I would have people in favour and others against. I knew it.”

    “No problem, it is part of being in the best club in the world, although I hope there is a little more peace of mind.”

    Koeman has started his Barcelona journey in a positive note after beating Villarreal by 4-0. The new-look Barcelona looked fluid and maybe he could guide them once again to the pinnacle of club football.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/28/lionel-messi-celebrates-like-suarez-after-his-stunning-debut-with-atletico-madrid/
  • A look at another special La Masia graduate: Ansu Fati joins Barcelona first team

    A look at another special La Masia graduate: Ansu Fati joins Barcelona first team

    It was recently announced that Ansu Fati would be a part of the first-team setup at Barcelona, and a recent contract renewal has seen him secured with a buyout clause of 400 million euros.

    A breakthrough prospect in the 2019/20 season, Ansu Fati definitely made headlines for the right reasons. He made his debut in the 5-2 win over Real Betis and then weeks later, scored his first goal for the club against Osasuna. The expectation is that following last season, Ansu Fati will look to play a much more central role in Ronald Koeman’s team.

    What makes Ansu Fati so special?

    Well for starters, the youngster has incredible pace with close control on the ball. In most games, he has looked to stick mostly on the left side of the pitch. Dribbling past defenders is a common trait of his, once going past brilliantly against Dani Carvajal in a game against Real Madrid.

    Another special skill of Fati is to understand the passing between midfielders, before adjusting his own game to make the runs behind the offside trap of the opposition defence. The fact that he is able to contribute defensively is a credit to the winger, a position generally not expected to do much of the dirty work when on the counter.

    The knock-on effects of Suarez moving to Atletico Madrid means that Griezmann moves to the centre forward role. That opens up more opportunities for Ansu Fati on the left-wing, competing alongside Ousmane Dembele. And given the unfortunate injury record that the French winger holds, it would seem like Ansu Fati would play a much more prominent role rather than just making up the squad numbers and providing backup

    We can well remember the last time a similar attacking jewel came out of La Masia. And if a certain Argentine was able to do well in the sport, one can trust Fati to do wonderful things for both club and country.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/07/ansu-fati-the-records-created-by-barcelonas-17-year-old-spanish-winger-so-far/
  • Busy dealings ongoing at FC Barcelona as Koeman looks to refresh his squad

    Busy dealings ongoing at FC Barcelona as Koeman looks to refresh his squad

    It is quite the time to be a Barcelona fan at the moment. A series of ongoing dealings are happening, both arrivals and departures. With Ronald Koeman hired as manager and club legend Lionel Messi staying on for another season, the next logical step is for the board to reinforce the squad with new faces.

    But, a challenge arises for the Spanish club as La Liga have stated that they need to sell before they can buy players. Owing to the already inflated wage bill, the qualm is that some players such as Umtiti, Vidal, Semedo and Puig are apparently not in Koeman’s plans. And so, shipping them off gives the club money as well as freedom on the wage bill front.

    Outgoings

    As stated by the very reliable Fabrizio Romano, Barca’s first objective is to sell Nelson Semedo to Wolves. The fee is estimated to be around 35 million Euros, quite a marked deterioration from the 50-60 million Euros previously asked in response to Man City and PSG’s enquiries.

    Ageing striker Luis Suarez is next on the hitlist as the latest news suggest Suarez has agreed to terminate his contract and join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer. Arturo Vidal’s signing has also been confirmed by Inter Milan. Riqui Puig might be sent out on loan to gain valuable game time, but if a good offer comes their way, Barca would even consider selling the young Spanish midfielder.

    Incomings

    On the incoming set of players, as was previously reported by many trusted sources, Barca are looking towards signing Memphis Depay to replace Luis Suarez.

    Although there were rumours of signing Georgio Wijnaldum, he might be set to stay at Liverpool. However, the closest targets at the moment, seem like Sergino Dest from Ajax and Eric Garcia from Manchester City.

    The idea is to reinforce the defensive depth at the club and both signings represent value for money. Combined fee touted for both of them is 40 million Euros, which will be financed from their player sales. Sounds like exciting times are set to be coming for the Catalan powerhouse.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/21/vidal-flying-to-milan-to-complete-inter-move-this-weekend/
  • Riqui Puig not in Koeman’s Barcelona plans

    Riqui Puig not in Koeman’s Barcelona plans

    The 20-year old Spanish midfielder is considered as one of the most exciting prospects at Barcelona alongside Ansu Fati. The duo was starting to get more first-team chances towards the end of last season and was supposed to get more match time this season.

    Riqui Puig said in an interview last season: “Very happy, especially for the minutes and confidence that Quique is giving me, and if we accompany him with good results, good minutes and good pace, delighted to give joy to this club”.

    But the manager has changed in Barcelona with former Barca player Ronald Koeman replacing Quique Setien from this season. Koeman has come with his new set of plans and he has already told the board which players feature in his plans for this upcoming season.

    Sadly, Koeman has informed Puiq that he doesn’t have him in his plans and asked him to look for a new club.

    Koeman informed Riqui Puig yesterday that the game system which he will imply from this season won’t suit him and he has a lot of competition ahead of him to be able to play.

    Although, in the pre-season friendly match against Tarragona, Riqui Puig featured for the Barcelona team. His agility and activeness on the pitch were on display all over the second half, after coming off the bench. He was one of the quickest on the pitch.

    Puig seemed to have a very bright future ahead of him at Barcelona. A bright future is still very much possible but as things stand as of now his future lies away from the Camp Nou.

    Do check out:

    https://technosports.co.in/2020/09/13/barcelona-vs-tarragona-a-glimpse-of-the-future/