Ronald Koeman: “I hope Xavi is given the support that I didn’t have.”

Ronald Koeman hopes that Xavi receives the support that he did not during his time as Barcelona coach.

Answering questions from journalists ahead of the second edition of the Koeman Cup, Koeman candidly shared his thoughts of Barça’s current managerial situation, in quotes transcribed by AS.

It is true that the situation of Barça, of the team and the club, is the same as when I was there. That means that changing a coach is not always something that means you improve. The only thing I ask is that they support Xavi. A coach is not to blame. That they give him the support that I have not had.

Koeman hopes that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is more patient with Xavi, even if results do not always go in their favour. “I hope that the president has learned and supports Xavi. He is a legend and someone who comes from the club. He is not to blame for this situation.”

Despite the points gap to league leaders Real Madrid being roughly similar to when Koeman was sacked, Xavi’s tenure has seen Barça climb up to second in the league, along with notable high moments, chief among them a 4-0 away win in El Clásico.

Koeman also expressed his disappointment at Laporta’s public treatment of the managerial situation when he was at the club. “Even if you get kicked out, inwardly you can argue. But outwardly you have to support it. I do not want to say more on this subject.”

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