Ronald Koeman believes the magic of Lionel Messi helped to ‘disguise’ the countless problems at Barcelona, as his job continues to come under pressure.

Manager Koeman is staring down the barrel after a poor start to the new season, and a chastening week that saw his team lose to Bayern Munich and draw with Granada.

He has not been afraid to admit the once-great titans are in the midst of a crisis, and pointed out that only Messi’s talismanic performances covered up the cracks.

Ronald Koeman believes the magic of Lionel Messi helped to 'disguise' Barcelona's problems

Ronald Koeman believes the magic of Lionel Messi helped to 'disguise' Barcelona's problems

Ronald Koeman believes the magic of Lionel Messi helped to ‘disguise’ Barcelona’s problems

Speaking to Voetbal International the day after the Champions League setback at the hands of Bayern, Koeman spoke about his future and his threadbare squad. 

Making a defence for Barcelona’s current poor fortunes, the under-fire Dutchman said: ‘Lionel Messi has disguised everything. He was so good and he won. 

‘Of course he had good players around him, but he made the difference. 

Manager Koeman is under serious pressure after a poor start to the new season for his team

Manager Koeman is under serious pressure after a poor start to the new season for his team

Manager Koeman is under serious pressure after a poor start to the new season for his team

‘Everyone seems better than they are because of him. This is not a criticism, but an observation.

‘I knew how good he is, but it’s still nice to see it up close every day. 

‘Everything you would like to teach a football player, in recognising situations, in taking the ball under pressure, in ball speed, in finishing; with Messi everything is a 10. Not normal, not normal!’

Messi looked set to sign a new contract and stay at the Nou Camp over the summer, but the club’s crisis-hit finances saw them unable to renew his deal.

Messi exited Barcelona in the summer as a free agent and went on to join Paris Saint-Germain

Messi exited Barcelona in the summer as a free agent and went on to join Paris Saint-Germain

Messi exited Barcelona in the summer as a free agent and went on to join Paris Saint-Germain

In just a matter of days, the superstar dramatically walked away from his boyhood side as a free agent and, after an emotional farewell, joined Paris Saint-Germain.

He is still yet to fully settle in his new surroundings, but Barcelona are undoubtedly struggling more, with a title tilt seemingly impossible this campaign. 

However, despite the sheer size of the burden on his shoulders, Koeman hinted that he has no desire to quit, either. 

‘I do not regret signing for Barcelona and leaving the Dutch team,’ he added. ‘It’s in situations like these that I get the best out of myself and my team.’ 

Superstar Messi looked set to stay at the Nou Camp but Barcelona couldn't afford his new deal

Superstar Messi looked set to stay at the Nou Camp but Barcelona couldn't afford his new deal

Superstar Messi looked set to stay at the Nou Camp but Barcelona couldn’t afford his new deal

Sportsmail has reported that, despite Koeman’s confidence he can turn the situation around, the coach is clinging on, simply because the club can’t afford to sack him.

They will not be able to bring the axe down without paying out around £10million, a sum which covers his contract and compensation to the Dutch Football Federation.

Next month will be crucial in deciding Koeman’s fate. Barcelona travel to Cadiz tomorrow and are then home to Levante at the weekend.

After that, they face Benfica away in the Champions League, before a mouth-watering showdown with LaLiga title holders Atletico Madrid.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has been earmarked as Koeman's successor if he is sacked

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has been earmarked as Koeman's successor if he is sacked

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has been earmarked as Koeman’s successor if he is sacked

Should Koeman successfully keep the team in contention for the top four, or potentially even within reach of first place, then he is likely to remain in charge.

But if the crisis deepens, Barcelona are likely to make a change in the dugout. Roberto Martinez, the current Belgium boss, is the man earmarked as his successor.

Indeed, Martinez is interested in taking the role, and hiring him may even please supporters demanding a return to the club’s historic style of play. 

The Belgium FA would be due compensation, though, and this is another financial strain sure to stretch Barcelona’s troubled coffers.  

Source: Daily Mail

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