Joan Laporta drops hint about Ronald Koeman's Barcelona future

As per British publication Mirror, the newly elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken glowingly of manager Ronald Koeman, claiming the Dutchman is doing a "great job."

The 58-year-old was brought to the Nou Camp to replace Quique Setien after Barcelona were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Champions League last year.

Taking over Blaugrana during an increasingly difficult period, Koeman's season got off to a rough start. However, the Dutchman has found a system and form, taking Barcelona 2 points off league leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga. His side also lifted the Copa del Rey title on Sunday after defeating Athletic Bilbao in the final.

Despite the progress made with the team - particularly with the younger members of the squad - the Dutchman's future has been speculated about following Laporta's appointment as President. Koeman was hired by former President Joep Bartomeu, who subsequently resigned and was arrested in Catalonia in February.

Laporta has claimed that his main priority is keeping talisman Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp and building a squad that can challenge for the highest honours. He is set to make a crucial decision on Koeman's future in the coming months.

A little strange to hear questions about my future: Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman

Prior to Barcelona's triumph in the Copa del Rey final, manager Ronald Koeman addressed questions regarding his future, claiming the scrutiny is "strange".

"We have improved many things. I never think about my future if I win or lose a game," Koeman said. "It’s a little bit strange that I need to answer questions like this because we had a run of 19 games without losing. We are losing one match and I need to talk about my future?."

The Dutchman signed for Blaugrana on a two-year deal that will run until the summer of 2022. However, his side's sticky start to the 2020/21 campaign had put his future under scrutiny over the past few months.

"It’s a little bit strange that I need to answer questions like this because we had a run of 19 games without losing. We are losing one match and I need to talk about my future?," the 58-year-old added.

Barcelona currently sit third in the La Liga table. They are part of an exciting title race with leaders Atletico Madrid and their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who are 2 and 1 point ahead of Blaugrana, respectively.