Ronald Koeman is one of a group of coaches assumed to be candidates to replace Luis Enrique when the manager leaves Barcelona. Currently quite happy at Everton, it’s Koeman’s playing career with Barcelona, and status at the Catalan club, which makes the links somewhat inevitable.
Barcelona are currently third in La Liga and if the season ends with them still there, or lower, then, rightly or wrongly, Luis Enrique will find his position under threat. That may be why there’s been so many Koeman to Barcelona links recently.
Last week the Everton manager gave an interview to Catalan newspaper Sport and said all the things needed to make them love him a little more. Cristiano Ronaldo was trodden all over in favour of Lionel Messiu, and it was a painting by numbers thing.
To add a little more to the simmering rumour, former Barcelona plauyer Jose Mari Bakero has backed Koeman for the job. Quoted by AS, Bakero explained: “Ronald is a man from Barca, who understands the team very well. During his career as a manager he’s demonstrated that he is capable. Ronald has the level and also has the idea of Barca and Dutch football.”
At this stage it’s not worrying for Everton, but it may be worth keeping an eye on Barcelona’s form.
