As much as Ronald Koeman assures that he has the support of the players, the truth is that a good part of the squad has long since stopped believing in the Dutch coach. And not only because of his debatable tactical decisions -especially when he prepares the games without advancing the way they will play and without rehearsing it in training-, but also because has a ‘peculiar’ way, to resort to a euphemism, of managing the workforce and sending messages through the media.
If the captains already publicly distanced themselves from much of the content of the statement that Koeman sent a week ago about his situation at the club, especially when he described winning the Champions League as a “miracle” and to be among those at the top in LaLiga as a “success”, now a situation has reappeared that has not been to the liking of the staff. And is that publicly point out, in the press conference after the defeat against Atlético (2-0), a 19-year-old boy for a goal, in this case Nico González, It is not considered the best way of learning, much less in order to give you confidence.
Among the players it was something that was discussed at length during the return trip, to the point that a heavyweight approached the young midfielder to show his support and that of the rest of his teammates. And it is that Nico was already ‘screwed’ enough for having been substituted at half-time, to later hear how Koeman sent him, in the media, to the lions.
In fact, Nico privately acknowledged that he was confused in that specific play where Lemar ended up scoring the goal, but obviously he is in a learning process and these are situations that he has to correct throughout his career.. If Koeman had addressed him in a particular way and told him about the mistake, there would have been no problem, but airing it publicly is considered a lack of tact on the part of the Dutch coach.
Undiplomatic
It is clear that Koeman does not have many qualms when it comes to pointing out the youngest: although Nico was the one designated in the game against Atlético de Madrid, others like Riqui Puig, to whom he has never publicly given his ears away, and Mingueza, They have received the reproaches of the Blaugrana coach.
Likewise, it also came to light this week that there was a bawdy discussion after the Benfica game between a heavyweight and Koeman, making it clear that the dressing room is not with the coach, or at least a considerable part of the squad.
As it is, it seems that Joan Laporta’s decision to ratify Koeman will only serve to prolong the agony, because among the players the ‘feeling’ with the coach is running out at times and only his Praetorian guard, led by the Dutch, is defending him.