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Koeman to be barred from touchline for Barca's first La Liga
Primera Division

Koeman to be barred from touchline for Barca's first La Liga game

The Dutchman took over as head coach of the Blaugrana following their exit from the Champions League

 
1:07pm on Thursday 17th September 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Barcelona are set to be without head coach Ronald Koeman in their dugout for their opening La Liga match of the season against Villarreal next weekend.

Following the Blaugrana's embarrassing exit from the Champions League after a 8-2 destruction by Bayern, head coach Quique Setien was fired and replaced by Koeman.

However, the case surrounding Setien's dismissal and compensation package is ongoing, meaning that he is still technically registered as Barca's head coach for the season.

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The situation with Setien needs to be sorted before the free managerial registration place can open up for Koeman, who could be forced to watch his team play Villarreal from the stands.

This presents another significant headache for Koeman, who has been busy putting out fires since his first day in the job.

A few weeks ago, Lionel Messi faxed the club requesting that his contract be terminated, freeing him up to speak to other teams. Barcelona refused, and insisted that, for him to leave, his release clause would have to be triggered.

Eventually, Messi agreed to stay for another season.

On the transfer front, the Dutchman has been unable to bring in any new players as of yet despite requesting to the board that they signing Memphis Depay from Lyon and Gini Wijnaldum from Liverpool.

Koeman admitted this week that he had been told that the club must sell before they can buy.

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