'Yes, I'd like to' - Ronald Koeman confirms interest in Barcelona managerial job

Ronald Koeman arriving at Barcelona airport to sign as new FC Barcelona coach, in Barcelona. Photo: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ronald Koeman has expressed an interest in the vacant managerial role at Barcelona, who on Tuesday confirmed the departure of Eric Abidal as sporting director.


Holland boss Koeman has been linked to the post since the Catalan side were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals on Friday, with speculation intensifying following the sacking of head coach Quique Setien on Monday evening.

Barca said a new managerial appointment would be made "in the coming days", and ex-Everton manager Koeman – reportedly the favourite for the job – briefly discussed the vacancy outside the Dutch Football Federation headquarters on Tuesday.

Asked whether he would like to return to Barcelona, the 57-year-old, according to AS, told reporters: "Yes, I'd like to, but it will only be confirmed once I have signed the contract.

"Until then, I cannot say any more about it – even though I'd like to."

Koeman spent six years as a player at the Nou Camp and scored the winning goal in the 1992 European Cup final against Sampdoria.

Ronald Koeman of Barcelona celebrate his goal during the Champions League Final match between Barcelona and Sampdoria at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 20th May 1992. Photo: Eric Renard / Onze / Icon Sport

Setien, who replaced Ernesto Valverde in January, had signed a contract to keep him at the club until summer 2022, but was sacked after only seven months in charge.

The 61-year-old won 16 of his 25 games at the Barca helm but the team ended the 2019/20 campaign trophyless.

Even before Friday's embarrassment against Bayern, Setien was under pressure after he failed to stop Real Madrid clinching the league title.