Barcelona 'uncertain' about Ronald Koeman's future as manager

Ronald Koeman's Barcelona future is in doubt with the board pondering over the Dutchman's position as manager following a below-par debut season.

The Catalan giants were held to a draw by La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid at the weekend, failing to close the gap on Diego Simeone's side. Barça remain in third, two points behind Atleti and below Real Madrid in the table due to an inferior head-to-head record.

ESPN report that while Koeman is playing an active role in the club's planning for next season, Barcelona directors remain concerned that his style of play doesn't fit with their philosophy.

Barcelona's recent home defeat at the hands of Granada - a win would have seen them move to La Liga's summit - is also said to have contributed to the uncertainty regarding the 58-year-old's suitability for the role, despite the Dutchman still having another season to run on his current deal.

Koeman took over Barcelona at a turbulent time. They had just been thrashed by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and then Lionel Messi publicly stated his desire to leave Camp Nou.

The team's fall from grace along with off-field issues led to the resignation of unpopular club president Jose Maria Bartomeu, and has seen Joan Laporta since re-elected to the position.

Koeman has been accused of playing a defensive, conservative style and although he received public support from Laporta immediately after he was elected, he has refused to discuss the manager's future since.

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has been strongly linked with a return to his former club to take the managerial reins. The 41-year-old is reportedly due to sign a two-year extension with Qatari outfit Al Sadd, although there is said to be a break clause allowing him to return to Catalonia should Laporta come calling.