Bartomeu: 'We are confident that Koeman will be Barça coach'

Josep Maria Bartomeu, FC Barcelona president, in an interview with Barça TV+, spoke about the future Barça coach: "If nothing takes a wrong turn, Koeman will be Barça coach for next season. We know him and how he thinks and also his experience. He knows the Barça philosophy well and believes in the Barça style and for that reason he is one chosen." 

As well, Bartomeu remembered that "in December Koeman told us he had a responsibility to the Dutch national team just a few months before Euro 2020." He added "now with Covid, the situation has changed and it has been a dream for him for many years." 

With regards to possible signings, the Barça president explained that "we have spoken about signings with Koeman but the arrival of new players depends on others leaving." 

More highlights from the interview on individuals in particular: 

Leo Messi

"Messi has said many times that he wants to finish career at Barça. Koeman has said to us that Messi in the pillar of his project." 

"He has a contract until 2021. I talk to the player and his father regularly. I have no doubt, despite the disappointment of Lisbon, that we will be excited by the new project. Messi is still the best player in the world and we have him with us." 

"I have not spoken to Messi but I have spoke to his father. The pain is behind us. We have to be optimistic and we have to pick ourselves up, work hard and excite everyone. A cycle is coming to an end and another one starts but in the Messi era." 

Éric Abidal

"Today he told us he wanted to leave his job. It's a personal decision. He has been a great contributor. It is his decision and we have to accept that." 

Quique Setién

"We have to thank Setién for his efforts, coming in half way through the season, it's not easy at a club like Barça. Lockdown did not help. Coming back after the pandemic, it was difficult to pick up the pace the team had before." 

Ramon Planes

"Ramon Planes will be in charge of the technical side. The decisions that are to be taken in conjunction with the technical secretary and the new coach. There will be an individual conversation with each player that is not part of the plans. They are legendary players and they need to leave with honours, but we have to talk case by case." 

Ter Stegen

"Ter Stegen. He is a great professional. His contract extension is on hold because he requested it that way during the pandemic. He will remain at Barça and we believe in him a lot." 

Es un profesional enorme. Su renovación se detuvo porque lo pidió él durante la pandemia por responsabilidad. Seguirá en el Barça. Creemos mucho con él".

Young players

"We have received offers for Ansu Fati but we don't want to sell him. We want to grow here. He is not for sale." 

"Trincao abd Pedri, for Barça fans, are a little unknown. They are players are exciting. Since we have signed them we have had offers for them for double what we paid."