AFC Ajax Barcelona Interviews

Ronald Koeman admits he wants to coach Barcelona

Portugal v Netherlands – UEFA Nations League Final
(Source: Getty Images)
June 9, 2019

Ronald Koeman featured on Catalunya Radio’s ‘Tot Tour’ program and admitted his desire to be the manager of the Catalan side.

“Everyone knows that it is a dream for me to train Barça one day,” said the 57-year-old Ronald Koeman, who turned down the opportunity of coaching the Blaugranas after the dismissal of former coach, Ernesto Valverde, in January.

The former Everton coach stays committed to the Dutch National Team and their goal to shine at the European Stage again. “I had to keep my word with the national team, thinking about that moment in the Euro Cup this summer, before the virus changed everything. Today the most important thing is the national team, what happens in the future nobody knows, “he added. 

Koeman also clarified his terms with the Dutch Federation. “I spoke with the Federation about this issue and I have a contract of two plus two years and I am going to fulfill it. For a coach, just like for a player, participating in a big tournament is important and there will be a Euro cup next year”.

During his interview with Catalunya Radio, Koeman also put on his views on some of the footballers related to FC Barcelona. 

Frenkie will achieve his full potential

“Frenkie is very young and you have to give him time. I am convinced that in a short time he will demonstrate his quality at Barça, as he demonstrated at Ajax and he shows it in the national team. I have no doubt that he is a player for Barça”, the Dutch explains. Koeman stats that De Jong himself knows that he hasn’t given his best at Barça. “He knows he can do more, but he is quite calm, you can see that he is comfortable at Barcelona, ​​that he is his favorite team and in a short time he will demonstrate how great a player he is,” he argued.

Ajax best place to learn for Puig

Another midfielder who belongs to Barça, Riqui Puig, would have a magnificent chance to grow, if given to spend a season at the Eredivisie champions, Ajax. “It is important that at that age the players play a lot. In Holland, there is not a League as strong as the Spanish one, but it is a perfect school to learn and have minutes, especially in teams like Ajax, which give you an extraordinary opportunity”, suggests Koeman.

A winger for teams like FC Barcelona

Another player who has been in transfer news, for the Catalonian club is the 19-year-old, Sergiño Dest. The American who was linked with a move to Camp Nou last week is a player who in eyes of Koeman, could fit in the current Barça squad very well. “Sergiño Dest is a winger for teams like Barcelona,” he said. “He is one of those offensive wingers with a tour of the band, very fast, they play well and they are comfortable with the ball,” he described.