Koeman will continue at FC Barcelona next season, insinuates Laporta

MADRID - FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has given his clearest indication yet that Ronald Koeman will continue as head coach of the first team next season.

Koeman's future has been in doubt since the season ended with Barca in third place behind Atletico and Real Madrid in La Liga, although things began to look brighter for the Dutchman after a meeting with Laporta a week ago.

Speaking on Tuesday the Barca president commented that Koeman had "a contract and our will is to respect it," and on Wednesday at the presentation of defender Eric Garcia, who has arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City, Laporta was again quizzed about the coach.

"We are in conversation and a period of reflection," he replied, continuing, "I feel very comfortable with him, and I hope he feels the same with me. There were only a few points which I wanted to clear up and we are working on that."

"I hope the conversations will conclude soon for the best for Barca," commented Laporta.

Laporta added that "the conversations are going very well. There is very fluid communication between us. You will know what happens very soon and I think this period of reflection has been very good."

"This is going to improve with Koeman, both in terms of the team and the criteria so that what happened last season doesn't happen again," he commented.

As well as signing Garcia on Tuesday, Barca also added former Manchester City striker, Kun Aguero to their squad on a two-year-deal on Monday and is expected to announce Georginio Wijnaldum on another free transfer from Liverpool in the coming days.

Wijnaldum is a personal request of Koeman who worked with him in the Dutch national team and his imminent signing looks like another sign Koeman will stay at the club.