The Dutch coach of Barcelona claims in an interview that the decision to part ways with the Uruguayan striker was the management's: "Decide on changes before I was appointed"
Coman.
Transferring responsibility to management
Photography:
AFP
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said that the departure of Luis Suarez came because of the decision of the club's management and that during the short period he seemed to have great respect for the Uruguayan striker.
The 33-year-old Suarez officially moved to Atletico Madrid yesterday after six seasons at the Camp Nou in a deal that could eventually reach € 6 million to go into Barça's coffers.
The decision to part ways with Suarez was made yesterday (Friday) in a major criticism of Lionel Messi when the captain accused the club of disrespecting his good friend.
Koeman said in an interview: "I seem to be the bad guy in this story but that's not the case. I gave great respect to Suarez as a player and as a man from day one. I always said it would be hard to give him minutes if he stayed but he was part of the squad if he stayed. The club made a decision. "When I got the job, the club decided to make changes. There are young players here who will get the stage."
On Messi's criticism, Koeman said: "I think it's normal for a player to be a little sad that his friend is leaving the club after so many years. The most important thing for me is how Leo performs in training and games. In training he is an example to everyone. "I have no doubts about his ability."