Lionel Messi History With Joan Laporta May Not Be Enough To Keep Him, Accepts Ronald Koeman

Lionel Messi’s historical past with newly elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta is an efficient factor for the membership however it nonetheless will not be sufficient to persuade the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to remain, accepts Ronald Koeman. (More Football News)

Laporta was confirmed because the everlasting successor to Josep Maria Bartomeu on Sunday, profitable over 50 per cent of the votes within the long-delayed elections.

READ: PSG Vs Barcelona, Live Streaming

Bartomeu left the membership in October final yr after going through the brunt of the criticism in response to Messi’s tried departure, with the participant publicly castigating him and accusing him of reneging on guarantees.

Laporta had lengthy been seen because the favorite for Sunday’s election as a result of holding the publish from 2003 to 2010, one of many membership’s most profitable eras and the interval that elevated Messi from youth prospect to international celebrity.

Resolving Messi’s future is now considered one of Laporta’s chief focuses, with the Barca captain beforehand suggesting he’ll solely look to remain past June – when his contract expires – if the membership is aggressive.

Laporta routinely emphasised his relationship with Messi throughout his election marketing campaign, adamant he was the one one of many three candidates ready to make sure the participant would keep, however Koeman is aware of the choice finally rests with the captain.

“I do not know if it is extra probably for Messi to proceed [at Barca now Laporta is president],” the Barca boss advised reporters on Tuesday forward of the Champions League last-16 second leg with Paris Saint-Germain.

“It is true that Laporta has a previous with Leo and different gamers. That’s optimistic, however I do not know [if that will help] – he has stated that he’ll determine.

“Solely Leo is aware of what he’ll do. Hopefully, he continues with us. All of us need him to remain.

“Laporta received the election by a substantial distance. The members voted and for the membership, it’s good to have a president like him to work issues out and enhance issues for the way forward for this membership.”

Koeman’s personal future has been a topic of rivalry related to the election, with quite a few experiences suggesting different coaches had been sounded out by the varied candidates.

Mikel Arteta and Xavi are the 2 names to have been linked most prominently with Koeman’s job in latest weeks, however the former Netherlands coach insists he has solely obtained optimistic vibes from his new boss and people who have labored with him earlier than.

“I do know Laporta, we have greeted one another a number of instances up to now. I additionally know [Frank] Rijkaard effectively, who labored with him right here when Laporta was president final time,” he stated.

“Laporta provides the coaches a variety of confidence and likewise his gamers. He’s very concerned in his function of serving to each. Ultimately, all the pieces depends upon the outcomes.”

When requested to relay what Laporta stated whereas addressing the workforce on Monday, Koeman added: “They had been regular issues. It went effectively, he stated a couple of phrases to the gamers and employees within the dressing room and there have been good vibes.

“Now we’ve got to proceed on the trail we’ve got began on. Tomorrow [against PSG] we’ve got to proceed on that.”