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Koeman teeters on the brink

  /  autty

Barcelona's 3-3 draw away at Levante on Tuesday night all but scuppered their hopes of winning the double this season, provoking rumours that Ronald Koeman will be dismissed in the summer.

The Dutch coach has one more year left on his contract, but he will go into crunch talks with club president Joan Laporta later on Thursday to discuss the club's plans and to analyse what is going wrong.

Laporta and Barcelona fans are concerned about the way in which the Blaugrana have wasted three opportunities to go top of the table, picking up just five out of a possible 12 points in this decisive stretch of the season.

With the double looking almost impossible to achieve, fingers are being pointed at Koeman, with the Dutchman's days at the club looking numbered.

Close contact

Laporta maintains a continuous relationship with Koeman, who has stood out for his trust in the club's youth system and his commitment to play offensive football, but the president and the board are growing concerned about the team's future.

The Barcelona president wants to know what has caused the current crisis at the club and how it will be avoided next season.

It is clear that Koeman's job is on the line, but there will be no definite answer with regard to his future before the LaLiga Santander season draws to a close on May 23.

This hasn't prevented the rumour mill from exploding, with names like Francisco Javier Garcia Pimienta and Jurgen Klopp on the table.

Rumours regarding Xavi Hernandez have disintegrated due to the former Barcelona midfielder renewing his contract at Al Sadd.

Messi

Another issue that Laporta needs to sort out is the future of Barcelona legend and captain Lionel Messi.

The recent results and uncertainty surrounding the club's backroom staff will not be helping the 33-year-old come to a quicker decision.

There has been contact between Barcelona and Messi, but a firm offer is yet to be tabled in what is to be a nervy last couple of weeks for the Catalan club and everyone involved with the team.

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