Koeman backs Barcelona as favourites in LaLiga and Champions League

Former Barcelona player and head coach Ronald Koeman has backed the Blaugrana to win both LaLiga and the Champions League this season.

Barca have made a strong start in both competitions this term, with a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid before the international break seeing Hansi Flick's side sit top of LaLiga.

They have won their first six away games in a league campaign for just the third time, after 2010-11 and 2012-13, while also winning 11 of their 12 games overall (L1) in LaLiga.

Indeed, Barca have only lost two matches in 2026-27, going down to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Real Madrid in LaLiga.

The Blaugrana are fifth in the Champions League standings after four games, scoring 14 goals across those matches.

While Koeman believes winning the European competition will be harder than retaining their league title, he still sees Barca as favourites to win both competitions.

"We shouldn't get nervous about the two defeats, against PSG and Real Madrid. You can lose against PSG," Koeman said a charity event at Barcelona Golf Club.

"I see Barca as strong; they have a great team and a great coach. Barca are the big favourites for La Liga; the Champions League is another story. Then, in the knockout stage, you can have a tough night. But they're still the favourites.

"Flick's Baraa takes a lot of risks, but it gives a lot to football. Their style of play gives a lot to the fans.

"There are risks with the high defensive line if there's no pressure on the ball... we saw that against Real Madrid. But they're on the right track."

Barca host Villarreal in their first match after the international break on November 22, before travelling to Azerbaijan to face Sabah in the Champions League.