Barcelona

Ronald Koeman denies Barcelona squad unrest

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 December 2020

Ronald Koeman denies that there is any hostility between the players or manager in the Barcelona squad ahead of Wednesday's clash with La Liga leaders Real Sociedad.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has played down reports of unrest in the Blaugrana squad.

The Catalan giants have suffered mixed fortunes in the early stages of the 2020-21 campaign, and Koeman allegedly branded Riqui Puig a "leak" after information regarding a potential summer transfer was made public.

Philippe Coutinho has also admitted that there is a "lot of tension" at Camp Nou right now, but Koeman has denied that there is any animosity within the ranks in Catalonia.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday's La Liga clash with Real Sociedad, Koeman said: "I see a good atmosphere in the squad, in training and matches. I don't see any problems between the players. Yesterday they threw a Christmas party after training. There was a great atmosphere and drink flowing.

"The other day [against Levante] we got a very important result in a difficult match. There were things missing but our attitude was good. We know our situation: we need to win our remaining matches. We need to have character in tomorrow's match."

Barca recorded a 1-0 win over Levante before they welcome league leaders Sociedad to Camp Nou, with La Blaugrana currently eighth in the table having played 11 matches.