Barcelona boss proclaims innocence regarding Luis Suarez’s exit

Barcelona. manager Ronald Koeman speaks during his official presentation. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona. manager Ronald Koeman speaks during his official presentation. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Ronald Koeman says the Barcelona board wanted Luis Suarez out.

Head coach Ronald Koeman has claimed that he has been portrayed as the “villain” in the Luis Suarez transfer drama. One of the first things that the Dutch manager did when he arrived at Camp Nou was telling Luis Suarez, along with a few other players that their services were no longer required and that they were free to leave the club. Now he proclaims that decisions were already made before he joined Barcelona and that he only supported those pre-made decisions.

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Many fans were left upset when they heard that one of their most efficient goalscorers had moved to rivals, Atletico Madrid. Lionel Messi himself wrote a heartfelt message stating that Suarez was one of his best friends and a legend at the club. The Argentine maestro also wrote that he deserved a proper farewell and condemned the manner in which he was released from the club. While it is true that Barca needs a younger striker, the manner in which a legend like Suarez was treated by the manager and the board was utterly disrespectful.

Koeman defended himself in a post-conference saying,

"“It seems that I have been the villain of this film, but before I arrived here, some decisions had already been made and I supported those decisions – it wasn’t up to me.”“I only showed respect to Luis Suarez as a person and a player. I told him that if he stayed it would be difficult for him to play but that he would be part of the squad.”Source Goal."

The manager also said that the release of the Uruguayan has not affected Messi’s training or professionalism. Koeman commended the Argentine’s attitude and said that it must have been hard losing such a close friend but other players should learn from his dedication and professional behavior.

Who should take over Suarez’s role at Barca?