Barcelona President Joan Laporta Admits Patience Is Limited With Manager Ronald Koeman

Barcelona club president Joan Laporta has admitted that time is running out for struggling manager Ronald Koeman.

Speaking to Sport, Laporta said that results and performances must improve should the Dutchman want to remain at the Camp Nou, starting tomorrow night against Cádiz CF.

"Yes of course," the 59 year old answered when asked whether the club's patience with its manager is limited. "We're in a difficult moment. I think we should have a lot of serenity and wait for a good result tomorrow against Cádiz because that's what interests us- situations which you overcome with results.

We will move forward and keep fighting. We'll get the ball on the ground. What's important is that tomorrow we play well."

Laporta, who was re-elected club president in March 2021 after leaving the post in 2010, also admitted that officials found out about Koeman's plans for yesterday's controversial press conference just moments before.

"We found out at the last minute that he (Ronald Koeman) wanted to make a statement," Laporta continued. "He's obliged to attend press conferences and he's free to respond or speak as he wishes.

We respect the coach's decision and he's free to respond or speak as he wishes."

Laporta has been extremely vocal about the troubles of the Catalan club in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, he posted a video on his Twitter account, pleading supporters to keep faith with the club as it wrestles with problems both on and off the pitch.

"I ask you to keep supporting our team," he said. "The team needs you and is thankful for you. You know we are living difficult moments and these are the moments you need to stand by us.

In Cádiz, you can be sure that the team will try to win. I do not know what will happen but no matter what, in the next match against Levante this week, keep supporting our team.

The team needs it. And try to remain calm. We know what needs to be done and we will solve it. Thank you very much."

It's understood that Laporta and Koeman's relationship is fractured at best, with the latter telling Dutch media NOS that the former talks 'too much' at times.

Lose tomorrow night and things could get even frostier.