Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club on Saturday, manager Ronald Koeman said that it is strange to read reports that his job could be on the line if his side fail to beat Athletic.
“I don’t need this. We’ve spoken, he’s shown his confidence in me [Joan Laporta]. I don’t think it’s necessary for the president to come out and demonstrate his confidence (in me) every time someone writes something.
“I know where I am, at a big club like Barcelona, that I have to win things, despite things that are happening (off the pitch) and the financial situation. But we’re here to win a final. That’s the most important thing. Everything else means nothing right now.”
Barcelona went on a run of 19 games unbeaten in LaLiga until last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clásico.
“If you like to hear my opinion about this, it’s a little bit strange that I need to answer questions about this because we just had a run of 19 games unbeaten,” Koeman added.
“We are losing one match and I need to talk about my future? Maybe I need to accept this, I don’t agree. You have to do your job, you have to talk to the people in the club. I have one more year of contract.
“Before the game, I know what will happen if we win and if we don’t win. I have to accept it. I took this job as a coach and I know it’s big pressure and I can handle that but sometimes it’s a little bit strange.”
