For the first time in years, Barcelona have made their choice in favour of a very special manager. Rumour has it new boss Ronald Koeman will have a squad shake-up to orchestrate – no other head coach has handled such an experienced bunch of players in this way since Pep Guardiola in late 2000s.
Below we take a look at Koeman's past managerial experience and the signs that clearly show that his determination may be an issue for Barcelona as well.
Parting ways with superstars
Everton were taking a huge risk while selling Romelu Lukaku, one of the Premier League's best strikers at that time. Yet the Dutchman willingly opted for the move knowing that it would take much effort to build a team around new players, including starlets like Tom Davies and Mason Holgate.
"Everton should normally not be the end for him. Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career. He has the potential to play for a bigger club than Everton," Koeman explained.
'If he likes to play football, then he needs to leave'
Another Everton forward Oumar Niasse was forced to leave the club for different reasons. As you see, there was a time when Koeman was prepared to change everything about the Toffees' frontline.
"If he likes to play football, then he needs to leave Everton," Koeman noted, basically pointing the Senegalese to the door.
Niasse was loaned out to Hull a few days later.
Offloading deadwood
Former Barcelona talent Gerard Deulofeu was considered to be one of the PL's most promising attackers after his Camp Nou departure. However, he made just 13 apps for Ronald Koeman's Everton and the Dutchman was seemingly ready to let him go.
"I spoke to Gerard and it's a difficult situation for the player. If he finds a solution to go and get game time then it's no problem," he said.
Deulofeu was loaned out to AC Milan almost at the same time when Niasse left.
'I don't talk with players for hours'
In one of his most recent interviews, Koeman agreed that he's not the one to fuss over somebody – and the latest rumours about Luis Suarez's future prove this point well.
"I prefer it when the manager is straightforward. I don't talk with players for hours. My message is delivered short and to the point."
