Joan Laporta insists El Clasico result will not impact Ronald Koeman's future
By Tom Gott
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has offered more support to manager Ronald Koeman, insisting the Dutchman will remain in charge regardless of the result in Sunday's El Clasico.
Koeman's side head into the game five places and two points behind Real Madrid, who are currently enjoying a run of three straight victories against their fiercest rivals.
Another defeat would be disasterous for Koeman, but according to Laporta, the boss' position will be safe regardless of what happens at Camp Nou.
"Yes, yes, of course Koeman will continue after El Clasico," Laporta said (via Sport).
The president has been trying to reassure Koeman in recent weeks, having put the Dutchman through months of uncertainty and borderline disrespect with his not-so-subtle interest in other managers, but Koeman insisted such praise is not necessary.
"I am the coach tomorrow, and from tomorrow we will see," he said (via AS) when asked about Laporta's latest backing. "The president does not have to say every week that Koeman will continue.
"I feel supported by the president and by the club but I know that everything depends on the results."
It's obviously a big game for both sides, with Real narrow favourites to pick up the victory, but Koeman was adamant that his team have just as good a chance of winning as Carlo Ancelotti's men.
"I don't know if people are doubting us, but we are not," he said defiantly. "We know wat we have and we want to show it. In a Clasico, there are no favourites. We have our fans on our side, and I do not have any fear. We want to show that we are a good team.
"We can't put any extra pressure on ourselves. I know that Barça coaches have to live with that, and I know the importance of the Clasicos. I have won and I have lost. It's very important to win it, but you have to see the positive side and enjoy it.
"It's my first Clasico with a crowd, and I'm looking forward to that. The game is important because we want to make our Catalans happy. We are going to give everything to win this game."