Barcelona have struggled financially over the past few years and the economic conditions were further impacted due to the global pandemic.
Joan Laporta, the La Liga side’s president, revealed last month the club are in €1.35m in debt when detailing the club’s worrying financial situation.
Ronald Koeman was appointed as the Catalan club’s manager before the start of last season. His arrival took place when Josep Maria Bartomeu was the chief at the Camp Nou.
After a mixed start to the new campaign that has seen Barca win only two of their first five matches, the former Everton manager’s future remains uncertain.
Voetbal International have published an interview with the Dutchman, where he admits to have been surprised upon learning the Spanish side’s dire economic status.
“I knew Barcelona’s financial situation was not good, but not that it would be that bad,” he said, as quoted by Voetbal Primeur.
“But the new president Joan Laporta didn’t know that either. He will be shocked, just like me. I understand his feeling, he is a supporter. I also don’t think it’s great that we lose against Bayern Munich. But just look sober.”
Barcelona’s poor financial status saw them fail to offer a new contract to Lionel Messi in the summer. This resulted in him joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
“Lionel Messi covered everything. He was so good and he won. Of course, he had good players around him, but he made the difference. Because of him everyone seems better than he is. This is not a criticism, but an observation,” Koeman said.
