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FC Barcelona manager search – Phillip Cocu and Ronald Koeman

By Chiranjib Ghosh

coach Phillip Cocu of PSVduring the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Groningen and PSV Eindhoven at Noordlease stadium on May 07, 2017 in Groningen, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
coach Phillip Cocu of PSVduring the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Groningen and PSV Eindhoven at Noordlease stadium on May 07, 2017 in Groningen, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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Phillip Cocu earlier ruled himself out of contention for the Barcelona, but has he made a return to the frame


Former Barcelona man Phillip Cocu was there when Barca thumped Osasuna 7-1. We would have assumed that a former Blaugrana had come to his old hunting ground just to check on his old team. But it wasn’t the case.

Cadena SER interviewed Cocu and he made some comments that is sure to worry his current team, PSV Eindhoven.

"According to Marca, he said, “It would be fantastic to coach Barcelona. You never know. Whoever does take over from Luis Enrique will have a difficult job.”"

Now the question arises whether he is willing to take on that difficult job. Dutch publication De Telegraaf has already reported that Cocu is high on Barcelona’s shortlist.

Phillip Cocu is a highly efficient manager. In his four years in charge of PSV, he has won 5 trophies, including two Eredivisie titles. He also has a win percentage of 64.40 % in his entire managerial career. Although Ernesto Valverde is the favourite to take over at Barcelona, Phillip Cocu is also a good option, despite having never managed outside of the Eredivisie.

Ronald Koeman feels that his dream job would be Netherlands and Barcelona coach

SWANSEA, WALES – MAY 06: Ronald Koeman the Everton manager looks on during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Everton at the Liberty Stadium on May 6, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES – MAY 06: Ronald Koeman the Everton manager looks on during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Everton at the Liberty Stadium on May 6, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

Ronald Koeman has strongly denied any reports linking with a move to Barcelona. He has always given his commitment to Everton and his will to see out his contract as a reason.

But he opened up in an interview with Barcelona-based publication Sport.

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"In the interview, he said, “That Barça thinks of me makes me feel good. You know, everybody knows that I’m a boy from the club. I love the club where I as a player and a person matured, everybody knows that.Look, I have two dreams. Coach of the Netherlands is the first. That possibility was there, but my contract with Everton has kept me.The other dream is to one day be coach of Barça. That’s the truth. But now I fully focus on Everton and will remain so. “"

The last part of the interview is probably a well-rehearsed phrase. It is evident that Everton do not want Koeman to leave Goodison Park. But Koeman’s feelings are made very clear in his statement. How long can a manager of his stature elude his dream job?

Related Story: Phillip Cocu asked about prospect of coaching Barca

It is likely that prizing him away from Everton will cost a lot of money. Koeman is on high wages and therefore, his compensation fee will be high. But it will be worth bringing a manager of his quality to the Camp Nou.

He has a history with Barcelona. He won 11 trophies with Barca in his six years with the club. Koeman also has a prolific managerial record, having won 8 trophies in his career. His stint with Ajax has been his most successful. He also boasts a 54% win percentage.

Next: Barcelona not to renew Jordi Masip's contract

It is very clear that if Robert Fernandez is given a choice between Ernesto Valverde and Ronald Koeman, he will choose Koeman.