Published: September 30, 2021 4:44 pm
Last Updated: September 30, 2021 10:20 pm
Suárez rips into Koeman and advises Xavi to remain patient
Former Barcelona striker and current Atlético Madrid frontman Luis Suárez has weighed-in on the tumultuous situation taking shape at the Camp Nou under boss Ronald Koeman.
After spending six terrific years in the Catalan capital while staring alongside both Lionel Messi and Neymar, Suárez left the club last summer after being told by both Koeman and former club president Josep Bartomeu that he was surplus to requirements.
Luis Suarez: “Koeman treated me as if I was a 15-year-old boy, and Bartomeu showed the dressing room as if I was a ‘harmful figure’.”
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 30, 2021
Suárez today came out with comments in the press about not only his departure from the club, but also the current situation around the Koeman regime.
Luis Suarez: “The tension between Laporta and Koeman hurts the players.”
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 30, 2021
The Uruguayan icon backed the talent on offer at Barça as being capable of course correction, but did not say whether it is possible whilst the under-fire Koeman is in charge.
Suarez: “Barcelona have a lot of talent, and they can get out of this situation.”
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 30, 2021
Additionally, Suárez offered-up some potentially valuable advice for former club mate Xavi, who is being tipped as a potential replacement for the experienced Dutch headmaster should his tenure at Barcelona come to an end this weekend courtesy of defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
“At Barça there is a war that hurts the players. I personally recommend Xavi to wait. This is not the ideal time to get to the club. He’s smart he has to wait a moment.” Note: quote via Fabrizio Romano, citing Sport.
Turmoil at Barcelona amid unacceptable Champions League record under Dutchman
With their 3-0 loss at SL Benfica last night, Barcelona have reached a historic low under Koeman in Europe’s premier club competition.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 16: Head Coach Ronald Koeman of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on February 16, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The Catalan giants now sit bottom of Group E and already well off the pace of table-topping Bayern Munich, having slipped to one draw and four defeats from their last-five Champions League fixtures under the Dutchman.
It is surely only a matter of time before Koeman faces the sack, but how the club chooses to eventually move on from the former Barça stalwart will make all the difference given the crossroads Joan Laporta’s second regime is approaching.
This article was edited by
Conor Laird.
