Former Premier League ace Trevor Sinclair believes Ronald Koeman would be ‘interested’ in becoming Newcastle United’s manager after his Barcelona sacking, as he told talkSPORT (28 October, 9.50am).
Koeman may be keen on the Newcastle job but whether they are keen on him is another matter entirely.
A dismal 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night represented the Dutchman’s death knell as Barcelona coach, his dream job having turned into a nightmare that even George A Romero would deem too disturbing for public consumption.
How much blame Koeman should shoulder for Barca’s current predicament, however, is up for debate.
The 58-year-old can hardly be held responsible for the club’s dire financial situation, after all, and he does deserve credit for promoting La Masia starlets Gavi, Ilaix Moriba and Nico to the first-team while guiding a crisis-hit club to Copa del Rey glory.
His tactics, substitions and man-management skills have left a lot to be desired, however – just ask Luis Suarez – and it is not inconceivable to suggest that a Barca side still containing the likes of Memphis Depay, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen should be doing rather better in the La Liga table than their current position of ninth.
What next for Ronald Koeman after Barcelona exit?
“I think it’s been coming,” said former West Ham star Sinclair when reflecting on Koeman’s Wednesday night departure.
Sinclair does point out that, after 14 months of scrimping and saving in Catalonia, the chance to splash the cash at St James’ would represent a welcome change of scenery.
“I’m sure he’d be interested in that Newcastle job, especially if you’ve got a big warchest to bring in a lot of players,” Sinclair added.
“He’s probably seen players out in Spain (that he may want to sign).”
Koeman’s mixed track record in Premier League football – he was given his marching orders by Everton in October 2017 with the Toffees stuck in the relegation zone – means he is highly unlikely to overtake the likes of Erik Ten Hag and Paulo Fonseca on Newcastle’s managerial wishlist any time soon.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
