Koeman casts doubt on Barça: "They are not the big favorite in this Champions League"

Koeman dismisses Barça's thrashing and rules them out as favorites in the Champions League: "Dortmund is not a top-level rival." Ronald Koeman, former FC Barcelona coach and current coach of the Netherlands, has sparked controversy with statements that have been a cold shower in the culé environment. Instead of joining the enthusiasm generated by the resounding Azulgrana victory against Borussia Dortmund (4-0), Koeman chose to minimize the result and cast doubt on Barça's candidacy for the European title.

❝Barça is not the favorite to win the Champions League❞

During a charity event, the Dutch coach was blunt when asked about Hansi Flick's team's aspirations:

"Barcelona is not, in my opinion, the big favorite to win the Champions League. There are teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal that are playing at a similar level and can also win the tournament."

Koeman insisted that, despite the good moment for Azulgrana, they are still far from the true contenders for the European throne. In addition, he questioned the level of the rival thrashed in the quarterfinals:

"Dortmund, who are eighth in the Bundesliga, are not a top-level European team. Even so, they generated several chances. We should not overvalue this victory."

Criticism of the result and warning of "exaggeration"

Koeman didn't stop there. He described the 4-0 as an "exaggerated" score and warned about the risk of drawing hasty conclusions after just one match:

"It was a lopsided result. Dortmund had their chances. You can't measure favoritism by a thrashing against a rival who, frankly, is not among the best in Europe."

His words have generated discomfort among the Blaugrana fans, who expected recognition after one of the team's most resounding displays this season.

Praise for Flick and the culé midfield

Not all were criticisms from the former culé coach. Koeman did want to recognize the good work of Hansi Flick since his arrival, especially in the management of the midfield:

"Flick has built a balanced and competitive team. The midfield with De Jong, Gavi, Pedri and Fermín López is the heart of the team and has a lot of quality."

A recognition that, however, was overshadowed by his general tone of skepticism regarding Barça's future in the Champions League.

Fierce competition and warning with a proper name: Real Madrid

Koeman took the opportunity to remember the strength of other clubs that, in his opinion, are better positioned to win the title. He specifically mentioned PSG and Arsenal, but also issued a veiled warning:

"You can never rule out Real Madrid in Europe. They know how to compete, even when everything seems against them."

A message that divides the fans

Ronald Koeman's statements have reopened old wounds among part of the culé fans, who have not forgotten his time on the Camp Nou bench and perceive his words as criticism disguised as objective analysis. Many see his attitude as a lack of support for the club at a time of renewed hope, while others value his realistic vision in the midst of enthusiasm.

What is clear is that his words have not gone unnoticed, and they once again place Koeman at the center of the culé conversation... although this time, off the bench.