Barca coach Koeman refuses media questions as rumors swirl

Ronald Koeman, head coach of FC Barcelona IPA

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman refuses media questions as rumors swirl

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/22/21

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman declined to take questions from the press at a news conference Wednesday morning as rumors of his firing loom large. ESPN reported the news early Wednesday morning.

Koeman read from a prepared statement asking for fans to be patient as the team rebuilds, saying it will be a successful season if the team finishes high in La Liga.

"The club and the manager are carrying out a reconstruction process," Koeman read. "The club's financial position is related to sporting matters and vice versa. That means we have to rebuild the football team, without making big investments. That needs time..."

Said "financial position" refers to Barca being slapped with a new wage cap over the summer, preventing them from signing any major players for the foreseeable future while they groom their younger footballers.

That is, of course, on top of Lionel Messi's emotional departure for Paris Saint-Germain.

Barca's performances in a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich and a 1-1 draw with Granada have turned the heat up on Koeman. ESPN is also reporting the relationship is souring between Koeman and team president Joan Laporta -- who has also recently asked for patience from Barca fans.

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