Koeman laments the lack of Barcelona signings
Ronald Koeman touched upon a number of topics in his press conference ahead of Barcelona’s match against Alaves.
One of the issues he discussed was the current situation in defense. He admitted that the club needed to sign a centre-back to provide some cover.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
"“For me we needed to make a signing. In the end, it could not happen, therefore we have to go forward with what we have. But I have to say that signing was necessary given the injuries we have. We lack, and we have lacked, players with the injuries to Dest, Araujo, Pique…,” Koeman said.Source: Sport"
Before the season started and during the winter transfer window, much was made about the possibility of signing Manchester City’s Eric Garcia.
There were reports that Barcelona had agreed to personal terms with the former La Masia player but were unable to reach an agreement with Manchester City.
In January, rumors of his arrival strengthened but ultimately did not come to fruition because of the club’s financial situation.
Barcelona presidential candidates have discussed potential signings
Carles Tusquets, and Koeman, met with the three presidential candidates to discuss the possibility of opening negotiations with City and signing Garcia.
Victor Font was the only candidate willing to push for the signing with Toni Freixa and Joan Laporta opting to wait until the summer when Garcia would come as a free agent. They did not think it made sense to pay a transfer fee for him now when his contract runs down in June.
The injury to Ronald Araujo served to highlight that a signing should have been made. If not for Garcia then possibly a loan deal for someone else.
Barcelona have been a bit unlucky with some of their injuries. More so that they have been long term injuries. For example, the ones suffered by Sergi Roberto and Gerard Piqué.
Next. Ronald Koeman defends Samuel Umtiti following Barcelona loss. dark
Koeman knew what the situation was when he agreed to take over as manager and knows he has to work with what he has. It’s yet another example of how postponing the presidential elections and not having a president in place has hurt Barcelona