Koeman: an unforgettable debut as a player
This Saturday against Nàstic de Tarragona (7.00pm CEST kick off, live on Barça TV+ all over the world) Ronald Koeman gets the chance to make his second debut as a blaugrana. The Dutchman's first ever appearance representing FC Barcelona came 31 years ago...as a player.
The game took place on 1 August 1989 in a preseason friendly in his home country of Holland against lower league side Buitenpost, a town of just 6,000 inhabitants. Barça ran out 15-1 winners that and Koeman helped himself to a memorable hat-trick: two goals from outside the box and a penalty, all in just 45 minutes out on the field.
Barça's new signing almost missed the game as administrative problems saw his transfer from PSV Eindhoven only ratified on the day of his debut with Koeman thankfully able to make his first appearance under the orders of the great Johan Cruyff.
