Ronald Koeman claims an ‘education problem’ is to blame for supporters crowding around his car after Barcelona’s El Clasico defeat – but admits ‘I don’t think there is a solution’ to tense scenes at the Nou Camp
Ronald Koeman believes an ‘education problem’ is to blame for supporters crowding around in his car when the Barcelona manager tried to leave the Nou Camp after the El Clasico defeat by Real Madrid.
The hosts lost 2-1 at the weekend after goals from David Alaba and Lucas Vasquez, and the result piled the pressure on beleaguered boss Koeman, who is in the thick of a fight to avoid the sack this season.
However, the response post-match was an unsightly one, with Koeman’s car surrounded by a horde of fans, who also voiced their displeasure. Some banged on his bonnet and hurled insults before he pulled away.
Ronald Koeman says an ‘educational problem’ is to blame for Barcelona fans crowding his car
And ahead of the Blaugrana’s clash against Rayo Vallecano, Koeman was questioned about the incident – and he says the behaviour stems from a ‘social’ issue.
‘I don’t think there is a solution,’ he said. ‘For me, it’s a social problem. They are Cules, or people, that have education problems.
‘They don’t know what the norms are, the values. The environment in the ground, until 2-0, was the opposite. You don’t have to take notice of these people.
Koeman was prevented from leaving the Nou Camp for a brief moment after the El Clasico loss
Barcelona boss Koeman (right) eventually left the Nou Camp, but is under mounting pressure
‘With the video, with the image… we already have here every day.
‘It appears that it has only been me, but you have to know that many players, with their families, the same happened.
‘Perhaps for me, being responsible, it was more exaggerated. Until [Carles] Puyol passed, no one could leave the ground.
‘We have to find a way. It’s a social problem.’
After being asked about the scenes, Koeman admitted he doesn’t think that ‘there is a solution’
There have since been concerns made over the lack of organisation and effort needed to disperse the small crowd by club officials, although Barcelona were quick to condemn the event and plan to implement ‘disciplinary measures’.
‘FC Barcelona publicly condemns the violent and disdainful acts that our manager experienced when leaving the Camp Nou,’ the club said in a statement.
‘The Club will take security and disciplinary measures so that such unfortunate events do not happen again.’
Barcelona have endured their worst ever start to a Champions League campaign and are also faltering in LaLiga, finding themselves six points off the pace already.
David Alaba scored a fine opener in the derby, with Barcelona losing a fourth straight Clasico
They have lost four straight Clasico derbies, too, ramping up the feeling of irritation among the fanbase. Koeman, however, praised the recent performance.
He said: ‘We controlled the game in the first half. And we had a great chance to take the lead.
‘But in the second half they defended well and we were not able to create danger. I’m disappointed by the result but not by the performance.’
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