Koeman denies reports of Laporta rift
Ronald Koeman claimed he has no issues with Barcelona president Joan Laporta after suggestions of a fractured relationship between the pair.
Barca limped to a third-place finish last term in LaLiga – seven points behind champions Atletico Madrid – and were knocked out in the last-16 stages of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.
Laporta subsequently undertook a managerial replacement search in June before deciding to stick with Koeman, who said to NOS some of his president's previous comments were "not wise".
However, ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, the Catalan club's head coach offered assurances on his relationship with Laporta.
"Our relationship is good," Koeman told Monday's pre-match news conference. "If there are things, we talk about them.
"We want the best of the club, which is always the most important thing.
"I don't have a problem with the president and we talk about things about the club, a perfect relationship for me. We've had little things, but we're fine."
Koeman, who lost Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi from his squad in August to PSG amid financial complications with LaLiga, has afforded numerous youngsters an opportunity in the opening games.
Indeed, Barca have utilised the most Under-21 players among Spanish top-flight squads so far (eight) as Koeman feels this is his best option with all the financial issues surrounding the club.
"The only thing I have said is that I am a coach who gives opportunities to young players," Koeman responded when asked about his NOS interview.
"You never know if another coach will give as many opportunities as we do. I am a coach and I seek the best for the club.
"We know it is a complicated situation, but we are improving things and one of these is giving opportunities to young people, who are the future of the club."
And after suggesting the club had a future thanks to his work, Koeman backtracked on his comments slightly: "My future is not important, the future of the club and the team is important. Tomorrow we have an opportunity to compete.
"Being a Barcelona coach is winning games and we are at a time when we have to work."
