Couldn’t be under more pressure: Koeman ahead of Clasico

24 October,2021 07:48 AM IST |  Madrid  |  AFP

Koeman appeared to be on the brink of losing his job earlier this month after Barca had won only once in six matches

Ronald Koeman. Pic/AFP


Ronald Koeman said on Saturday it is not possible for him to be under more pressure as Barcelona prepare to face Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season. Koeman appeared to be on the brink of losing his job earlier this month after Barca had won only once in six matches.

But the club's president Joan Laporta moved to end the speculation by insisting Koeman "deserved the benefit of the doubt" and would stay on as coach. "I don't think it's possible to be under more pressure," said Koeman at the eve of match press conference.

Also Read: Koeman unsure of Barca backing after Benfica rout

"As Barcelona coach you have to take it, no problem. I know the importance of a Clasico." Asked if he still felt the backing of the club, Koeman said smiling: "I have to answer every game if that's the case. I think I am the coach of Barcelona now, tomorrow let's see. I feel supported by the club but I know everything depends on results."

Barcelona sit seventh in La Liga after winning four of their opening eight games but they are only two points behind Real Madrid. "This game won't be decisive," said Koeman. "It will just show what kind of moment the two teams are in." After beating Valencia in La Liga and Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League, a victory at Camp Nou on Sunday would round off an encouraging week for Koeman and his team. Yet many believe Madrid are favourites. "We know exactly what we have, and what we have to do," said Koeman. "I don't have any fear."

Also Read: Pressure mounts on Barca boss Koeman after Cadiz draw

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