5 Reasons Why Barcelona Will Be The Team To Beat Next Season
![Barcelona's Dutch forward Memphis Depay (3rdR) celebrates with teammates. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images) Barcelona's Dutch forward Memphis Depay (3rdR) celebrates with teammates. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ef2a33794ecc2f72014ff911b58b9bfabd62250b1a92f312adc85f8a4e65c3bf.jpg)
#5 Ronald Koeman continues his visions
When Ronald Koeman was first announced as the new manager, last season, fans had a mixed reaction. While some were quite happy to see the return of a legendary player, some looked at his managerial performances and found that it was sub-par. However, the past is the past, and Koeman had the chance to really work with a young team at Barcelona.
He set his sights on youth development, letting all the aged players leave the club and helping players like Pedri, Ronald Araujo, and Oscar Mingueza get their breakthrough seasons. Although his season was flawed, results were not always going for the Catalans, Koeman managed to pull through, and won a trophy in his debut season.
However, many were still not convinced with his style of working, and the new president, Joan Laporta, was one of those skeptics. According to Laporta, the manager did not contribute enough, and Laporta wanted to replace him at first. However, in the end, Koeman was given one more year to improve the club, and finish his contract.
This is actually very good news for Catalan fans, as changing managers so frequently could leave the club in disarray, and no proper direction. Koeman certainly has a plan which includes the youngsters in the club a lot, and Laporta should let the Dutch manager try out his tactics. The first season under new management is almost always rough, but Koeman still won the team a silverware. Next season with more chemistry and knowledge of the team, Koeman could seriously challenge for the La Liga, and his failed dismissal remains a blessing in disguise.