sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Ronald Koeman Refuses To Answer Questions In Press Conference And Just Gives A Statement

Ronald Koeman Refuses To Answer Questions In Press Conference And Just Gives A Statement

It's been a difficult spell for Koeman at Barcelona and now he's not even answering questions during press conferences.

Ronald Koeman showed signs he's a man under pressure, as the Barcelona boss walked into his press conference with a prepared statement and took no questions.

It's been a tough season for Koeman in a post Lionel Messi world at Barcelona, having taken the club to within touching distance of what would have been a surprise title win last season.

The past week has seen the Catalan giants get pummelled by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and then an embarrassing draw with Granada, in which Gerard Pique was used as a striker for 15 minutes.

That has piled on the pressure for Koeman, with reports that there is a shortlist for who could take over from him, with Roberto Martinez apparently the favourite.

On Wednesday he certainly acted like a man struggling as he had his pre match press conference for Thursday's La Liga game with Cadiz. Instead of the usual Q&A format, the Dutchman sat down, gave a statement and then left.

"The club is with me as a coach, in a situation of rebuilding. The financial situation of the club is connected to the sporting activities, and vice versa," the former Everton manager started.

"This means that we as a team have to rebuild the football team without being able to make any big financial investments.

"This needs time. The young talent today could end up being the next big world stars, in just a few years.

The likes of Gavi, pictured, and Pedri have become important members of the team already. Image: PA Images
The likes of Gavi, pictured, and Pedri have become important members of the team already. Image: PA Images

"In order to reconstruct this team, it means young players get opportunities, like Xavi and Iniesta had in their day. But, we must ask for patience.

"What's more, being in a top ranking in La Liga is a great success, this is a great football school for these talents.

"But in the Champions League we cannot expect miracles. The defeat against Bayern Munich must be taken from that perspective.

"The process that we're in right now, the staff with the team, deserves unconditional support in words and in action.

Barca were well beaten by Bayern. Image: PA Images
Barca were well beaten by Bayern. Image: PA Images

"I know the press recognise this process, it's not the first time in FC Barcelona's history this has happened.

"We want to count on your team in this difficult time, the staff and players are very happy with the great support from the fans, as we had in the match against Granada."

With that Koeman was done with his press conference so he stood up and left the room, not taking a single question from the press.

Just how much longer he is manager at the Nou Camp remains to be seen, but it's fair to say he's not in a comfortable position right now.

Featured Image Credit: @FCBarcelona

Topics: Football, La Liga, Barcelona, Ronald Koeman