Ronald Koeman aims another dig at Barcelona as Netherlands boss points out lack of progress since his sacking

Koeman spent 14 months in charge of Barcelona before being sacked in October 2021 and replaced by Xavi. The Dutchman has regularly spoken out about his tenure at the Camp Nou, even saying he could "write a book" about all that happened during his time in charge. Koeman has now criticised his former club again, pointing out the lack of progress under Xavi and insisting he did not receive the same level o patience from club president Joan Laporta as the former midfielder.

He told El Mundo: "Yes, I already said it. I did not receive the same support from the president as Xavi received. At that moment they fired me I think we were nine points behind Madrid. And now they are down to ten. To be successful you have to have the support of the president."

Xavi went on to win the league title and the Spanish Super Cup after replacing Koeman as well as bringing through a host of talented youngsters including Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez. However, Xavi has since left his role as manager in messy circumstances afterjust two and a halfseasons and been replaced by former Bayern and Germany boss Hansi Flick.

Flick will be charged with bringing trophies back to Barcelona after the Catalans failed to claim any silverware in 2023-24. Yet Flick arrives at a time when Barcelona continued to be affected by financial issues, with the club currently unable to register nine first-team players ahead of the new season. Meanwhile, bitter rivals Real Madrid have followed up La Liga and Champions League title wins by signing PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.