Koeman’s Rollercoaster at Barcelona: From Highlights to the Granada Setback

Many Barcelona fans recall Ronald Koeman’s tenure at FC Barcelona as a period marked more by shadows than highlights. It unfolded during institutional turmoil, economic urgencies, pressures on players to defer their salaries, and a beleaguered Bartomeu leading the club. All of this amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Ronald experienced the restrictions and the absence of the pure atmosphere of the Camp Nou.

Amidst this tumultuous era for the Dutch coach at Can Barça, there were indeed some positive aspects and standout performances. Notable among them was the growth of Ansu Fati and the emergence of young talents like Mingueza, Alejandro Balde, Óscar Mingueza, Gavi, and Collado. The current Netherlands national team manager showed no hesitation in giving them opportunities.

Griezmann and Messi Unleashed

One of Koeman’s significant achievements leading the Blaugrana came on January 9, 2021, when Barcelona visited Los Cármenes in the midst of a good run, securing a convincing 0-4 victory in an impressive team performance. As an anecdote, the Dutch coach had a heated exchange with Roberto Soldado, who was particularly fired up before and during halftime at the Nazarí stronghold, despite the stands being empty due to 100% capacity restrictions.

Shortly thereafter, Barcelona returned to the same venue for a single-leg Copa del Rey quarter-final tie. On that occasion, the contest was more tightly contested, requiring extra time to resolve. Koeman and Soldado found themselves at odds again.

A Stumble That Marked the End

Returning to that January night, Barcelona had decimated their opponent before halftime with a 0-3 lead orchestrated by Lionel Messi, who scored twice, and Antoine Griezmann, enjoying his peak form with the Blaugrana, adding another goal in the second half for a 0-4 victory.

However, Granada is not just a fond memory for Koeman. Later that season, a couple of months after the January triumph (April 29), Barcelona had the chance to take the solo lead in La Liga if they defeated Granada at Camp Nou. Unfortunately, Diego Martínez’s side dealt a painful blow with a 1-2 defeat, shattering Barcelona’s title hopes. This marked the beginning of the end for the Koeman era, now with Laporta back at the helm of the club.