Tensions regarding Ronald Koeman’s future at Camp Nou are at an all-time high following the devastating 3-0 loss against Bayern Munich in Barcelona’s opening group stage match on Tuesday.
It was not the loss that raised the eyebrows towards Koeman, but it was the manner in which they lost the game as their loss against Bayern was expected.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta was reportedly ‘furious’ with Koeman’s approach to the game and has further magnified his sight on the former Dutch coach.
Barcelona were outran by Bayern Munich by a massive margin of 15 kilometers and the Blaugrana failed to maintain their shape in the defensive third. The Catalans failed to counter effectively as well, as, for the first time in the club’s Champions League history, they failed to register a single shot on target. After such an uncharacteristic Barcelona performance, president Laporta called for calm among the fans.
Spanish media outlet Sport understands that while Barcelona are not keen on dismissing the head coach immediately, a call on his future will be taken based on how well the team performs in their next three La Liga fixtures against Granada, Cadiz, and Levante.
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The manner in which the team plays will be judged. It is highly likely that the think-tank at Barcelona would prefer the former La Liga champions play in their usual 4-3-3 high-press style rather than conforming to a defensive formation. The former Netherlands coach will be aware of that as well.
Youngsters in the line-up in Balde, Gavi, and Demir grabbed the eyeballs and they are expected to be given a continued run in the XI, now that Jordi Alba and Pedri are set to be out for a minimum of three weeks.
Philippe Coutinho also made his first appearance of the season, and though he only had a cameo role to play, he did enough to slot himself into the playing XI.
