Barcelona manager not worried about getting the axe

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman held his customary prematch press conference prior to the game against Granda.

In addition to questions about the starting lineup and who he has in mind given the club’s string of injuries, the manager was also asked about his future.

The 3-0 loss against Bayern Munich in the Champions League has placed all eyes on Koeman with rumors about a potential sacking growing day-by-day. The Dutchman is not letting those rumors get in the way of his duties.

"“There were questions before playing Bayern about renewing my contract,” Koeman said. “We lose 3-0 and now the questions are if I fear for my future. I don’t think that’s normal.“We’re confident we can win games, there’s a long way to go. I know that results counts. I don’t fear for my future. At the end of the day, the club and the president make the decisions.”Source: ESPN"

The relationship between the Barcelona manager and president is rocky at best

The pressure on Koeman continues to mount and his situation isn’t helped by the war of words between himself and club president Joan Laporta.

While Koeman has stated that his relationship with Laporta has improved, it has not stopped him from giving interviews in the Netherlands where he throws shots at the president. His agent, Rob Jansen, coming out and throwing in his two cents has not done anyone any favors.

"“Laporta said that he needed two or three weeks to find a new coach,” Jansen said in the documentary entitled ‘Forca Koeman’.“It was a crazy decision, based on nothing, based on only his [Laporta’s] feelings. I didn’t speak to Laporta again, but fortunately the people around him contributed to Koeman staying.”Source: Marca"

Prior to the Bayern match, the situation looked rocky but under control. That has changed and could now be bordering on untenable. Reports came out a couple of days that money was no issue in whether or not Barcelona sacked Koeman. In fact, the Catalan side wanted Jordi Cruyff to take over but he declined their offer.

Koeman now has three games to save his job. The magnifying glass will be pointed at him and any slip-up may result in him being fired. His first “final” will be against Granada at home. Usually, that would be seen as a straightforward game. Given how they played against Getafe — finishing with five at the back — it is not going to be as easy as people think.

Koeman says he does not fear for his future. The starting lineup, and system, he throws out there against Granada will show whether his words ring true or he is now simply managing to save his job.