THE Barcelona dressing room is trying to insist manager Ronald Koeman is kept on for another season despite rumours of Xavi taking over in the summer.
Koeman, 57, came under fire after Barca were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain last week.
But the Catalan side’s upturn in form in LaLiga has seen them move to within four points of table toppers Atletico Madrid.
And according to Sport, this has led to the players calling for Koeman to remain in charge despite talk of legendary midfielder Xavi taking over at the club.
Barcelona have not lost in the league since the beginning of December.
And they are still in contention for a domestic double as they are in the final of the Copa del Rey against Athletic Bilbao next month.
Newly elected president Joan Laporta publicly backed Koeman recently amid uncertainty over his future.
He told El Mundo Deportivo: “Ronald (Koeman), you have the confidence of this board.
“The team has improved and we have to try to win again. If we recover our economic level, we will be competitive again in the Champions League.
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“We can win LaLiga and the Copa. I am talking about football, but also about such successful teams as the women’s team, basketball, handball, hockey.
“We will make every effort to continue to be proud.”
Koeman took over from Quique Setién in August 2020 and has won 27 of his 42 games in charge.
If the Dutchman manages to lead Barca to the LaLiga trophy this season, it will be their third title in four season.
They currently trail league leaders Atletico Madrid by four points.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
