FC Barcelona are going through a difficult period. A lot has gone down at Camp Nou, and the current president Joan Laporta is trying to fix it. While the club is on a balancing act, the results on the pitch have been far fromal.
Their recent performance has raised more questions than provided answers.
Amid the whole situation, the relationship between club president Joan Laporta and team manager Ronald Koeman has soured with both parties trading accusations.
The tension has become so thick with Laporta finding himself in a balancing act. Something must give, and rumours have surfaced about Koeman probably not seeing out his contract with the club.
Amid the probable sack of Koeman, the financial implications of a Koeman sack to the club have been revealed.
The financial implications of a Koeman sack
It is not unusual for clubs to part ways with their personnel when they fail to deliver on expectations. With the shelf life of coaches very short, they have found ways to protect themselves from the sudden termination of a contract.
While most managers opt for a handsome payoff should they be sacked, it seems that Koeman has taken it to a whole new level.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that a clause in Koeman's contract ensures the Dutchman will be compensated if fired from the job. According to the publication, Koeman will smile at the bank with at least €6 million should the club not renew his contract.
The report states that Josep Maria Bartomeu inserted the clause. The clause was placed in the contract because Koeman had to pay the Dutch FA to terminate his deal.
Joan Laporta is keen to replace Koeman, who is not a fan favourite, and recent results have not inspired enough confidence to keep the manager at the job long term. According to a recent Marca report, Laporta is already drawing up a list of coaches to replace Koeman, but he would need to have €14 million, being what it would cost the club to pay off Koeman.
Poor results at the Camp Nou
The Catalan giants are far from the formidable force they used to be. Crippled with debts and an almost untenable financial situation, the results on the pitch mirrors the state of its books.
After the 1-1 draw against Granada at the Camp Nou, the team sits seventh on the log. Even with an outstanding game, their performances hold no hope for a brighter future.
The departure of club legend Lionel Messi did not make matters easier, and the injury list at the club has only worsened things. Pedri, Jordi Alba, Ansu Fati, Sergio Aguero, and Ousmane Dembele have all been sidelined.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
