Koeman informs closest allies of serious ‘institutional’ Barcelona concerns

Ronald Koeman Barcelona

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has begun to raise concerns to his closest confidants about an “institutional” lack of backing from his new club, according to a report.

Koeman took over in August with Barca in one of their greatest periods of uncertainty. The Spanish giants had just lost 8-2 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, leaving Lionel Messi’s future uncertain.

Messi then announced his intention to leave, before retracting his wish to avoid a tricky legal battle.

Since then, Koeman has worked to reduce Barcelona’s £510million yearly wage bill. This has proved an important task as he looks to bring a fresh dynamic to his squad.

According to Marca, however, Koeman is already struggling to feel comfortable in his dream role.

The source says the 57-year-old “is beginning to show mistrust” due to the situation he finds himself in.

He feels Barcelona’s board have left him in an “uncomfortable” position as regards his squad and has concerns that president Josep Maria Bartomeu is leaving him “defenceless”.

Bartomeu has proved a controversial figure in Barcelona’s recent history. Indeed, his off-the-field clashes with Messi proved a key factor in the Argentine deciding to leave.

Koeman also has concerns about how his arrival at such a juncture in the club’s history will affect his players.

Koeman’s Barca revolution takes hold

Ronald Koeman Barcelona

Nevertheless, the Dutchman has successfully shipped off several players from his squad. Nelson Semedo has moved to Wolves, with Ivan Rakitic switching to Sevilla.

What’s more, in one of the more high-profile exits, Luis Suarez has moved to LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid.

The latter move has not sat well with Messi, who has blasted his club for their treatment of the Uruguayan.

As for potential incomings, Lyon forward Memphis Depay reportedly remains Koeman’s top target.

The Dutch pair enjoyed a successful relationship working together at the Netherlands national team.

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