Joan Laporta and his board of directors decided, after the 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas last Thursday, that Ronald Koeman’s position as coach of Barcelona was no longer tenable.
Now, according to a report in Diario Sport, comes the time to settle what the club owes the Dutchman following the dismissal. At this moment in time, that figure stands at €12m. The word from Koeman’s camp is that he doesn’t intend to forgive Barcelona a single cent of that fee.
Barcelona have proposed a fee of between €7m or €8m, but Koeman wants to push for the full €12m. His argument is that it’s part of a signed contract that both parties accepted, even if it wasn’t agreed with the existing board.
Koeman’s position could become complicated for Barcelona, whose financial situation is well-documented. The Catalan club are in serious trouble – it was through a lack of funds they had to allow their greatest ever player Lionel Messi to join Paris Saint-Germain rather than re-sign with Barcelona as was his desire.
If Ronald Koeman considers himself a true member of the Azul y Grana, then just like many of the current players on the squad, (Pique, perhaps the most notable) who took personal pay cuts to help out the financial condition of the club, then Koeman should do the same. He gave his best, under known conditions, and failed. Be proud of your effort, and move on, and give back to the club that made you, as a player and coach.