Ronald Koeman was the Netherlands’ manager at Euro 2024, where they reached the semi-finals. Despite a controversial exit, Koeman is optimistic about the team’s future.Ronald Koeman was the Netherlands’ manager at Euro 2024, where they reached the semi-finals. Despite a controversial exit, Koeman is optimistic about the team’s future. Koeman was previously manager of FC Barcelona, where he recently expressed the possibility of a return. However, he hinted at unresolved issues with the club’s management, particularly President Joan Laporta. He stated, “I dream of returning to Barcelona, but not with the President (Joan Laporta). He doesn’t respect the club’s legends.” Koeman believes FC Barcelona needs players like Kylian Mbappé to compete with Real Madrid. He commented, “In many aspects, Madrid is superior to Barca. Madrid’s team is for the future. Barca needs people like Mbappe, who make differences in every way.” While Barcelona has talented young players like Laminate Yamal, Pedri, and Gavie, Koeman cautioned against comparing Yamal to Lionel Messi. He acknowledged Yamal’s genius at a young age but emphasized that each player is unique.
Ronald Koeman‘s most recent involvement on the international stage was with the Netherlands when he led them to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 in Germany. Despite a controversial exit from the competition, Koeman has plenty to look forward to with the national team. Before taking the national team job, the 61-year-old spent a significant amount of time at the helm of FC Barcelona.
In a recent interview, the Dutchman was asked about a possible return to the club. While his resignation was eagerly expected after a disastrous end to the 2020/21 season, Koeman hinted at unresolved issues with the club’s management and in particular the president, while dismissing any possibility of an immediate return to the club.
I dream of returning to Barcelona, but not with the President (Joan Laporta). He doesn’t respect the club’s legends.
Ronald Koeman said in an interview
The Dutchman has two years left on his contract with the Netherlands and will most likely lead the team to the 2026 World Cup. President Joan Laporta has been criticised in the past for his treatment of Lionel Messi also.
Ronald Koeman calls for ‘Mbappé-like’ players at Barcelona
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are, to say the least, ‘eternal’ rivals. Los Blancos have faced the Blaugrana time and time again in their quest for domestic glory in Spain, with the titles more often than not being shared by both sides.
Ronald Koeman believes Barcelona need a player like Kylian Mbappé to compete with Real Madrid next season (Via The Athletic & IMAGO)
However, times have not been kind to the men from Catalonia, with issues ranging from finances to player management and much more. Speaking to the press, former Barca manager Ronald Koeman shared his thoughts on what the club needs right now.
In many aspects, Madrid is superior to Barca. Madrid’s team is for the future. Barca needs people like Mbappe, who make differences in every way.
Ronald Koeman told SPORT
Madrid has brought in Kylian Mbappe, Endrick and many other players in recent seasons and have clearly distanced themselves from their rivals.
Ronald Koeman (former Barcelona coach): “Real Madrid is better than Barcelona. Barcelona needs players like Mbappé.” photo.twitter.com/4044o6elLU
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) July 19, 2024
However, Koeman acknowledged that Barcelona has a lot of young talent. Laminate Yamal, Pedri, Gavie and the rest. However, he urged the media to avoid any comparisons between Yamal and Lionel Messi. The fact that Barcelona’s current No. 19 has shown that he is capable of genius at such a young age is an achievement in itself.
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