One of the former FC Barcelona managers, Louis Van Gaal, has been in the media spotlight for his comments about the last World Cup, which has been prompting reactions from other personalities in the footballing world.
Van Gaal recently claimed that the last World Cup was premeditated, with it already having been decided that Messi and Argentina would win it. While Van Gaal has provided no basis for making such a claim, his statement has been the talk of the town for the last few days.
Koeman addresses Van Gaal controversy
Another former Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, was also asked about the statement of his compatriot. Koeman, who now manages the Dutch national side, did not give a clear opinion on this matter, as he said: “I wouldn’t have said it, but we must respect all opinions.” The Dutch national team players have already taken a stand against Van Gaal’s statements.
Referee controversy in Spain
However, as SPORT has reported, it was in this context that Koeman gave other comments that also address another ongoing controversy in Spain.
Reports indicate that Barcelona have prepared a list of referee decisions that have benefitted Real Madrid and have gone against them, and are contemplating an official complaint against these injustices.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have prepared their own list of grievances against the referees, and the two clubs are taking the matter too seriously.
In such a context, Koeman continued to comment in response to the Van Gaal affair with his experience of being a Barcelona coach. The Dutch coach commented:
“I experienced moments in Spain where I had the feeling that Real Madrid was more favored than Barcelona, but you can’t really prove it, so it’s better not to say it.”
Koeman coached Barcelona between 2020 and 2021, but poor results, poor relationship with club stars, and criticism on his style of play led to his dismissal only in his second year as a Barcelona coach.
While he is not one of the favorites of Barcelona fans as a coach, his recent comments will still be seen favorably by Cules as they relate to the sense of injustice that they themselves feel regularly.
