Former Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman’s recent NOS interview showed us an insightful glimpse of Barcelona’s new roster, Frenkie de Jong’s return home, and inevitable comparisons to the likes of Lamine Yamal and Leo Messi.
His favorite quote, however, was that regarding the reality of Messi potentially returning to Camp Nou.
Here are the key things Koeman mentioned:
Frenkie de Jong Resurgence
Koeman was lavish in his compliments for De Jong’s comeback, describing him as a “very important player” and the “heart of the team” together with Pedri and Gavi.
The Dutch midfielder once again justified himself under Hansi Flick, and Koeman further added that Barcelona will do everything to retain him.
“Any team would love to have a player like Frenkie,” he asserted, adding that though De Jong is interested in staying, his fate is in the club’s hands.
Lamine Yamal and Leo Messi Comparisons
Speaking of Lamine Yamal, Koeman cautioned, “No one can be compared to Messi.” Praising Yamal’s colossal potential, he again emphasized that the 16-year-old should not overhype but instead work on day-to-day improvement.
“There is only one Messi,” Koeman dispelled the belief that Yamal—or anyone else, for that matter—can fill in for the Argentine legend.
Leo Messi’s Return? “Not Under This President”
The biggest splash, though, was when Koeman was asked if and when Messi would return to Barcelona.
His blunt reply, “I don’t think he will return while the president is here,” was a thinly veiled allusion to Joan Laporta’s acrimonious falling out with Messi after his 2021 departure.
That implies that until the change of guard, the reunion is not on even if the fans want so.
Koeman’s words look to the future and the present of Barcelona football—defending De Jong, cooling expectations of Yamal, and seemingly closing the door on Leo Messi’s emotional return.
For now, the limelight is on the new generation, not the old.
• Can Messi return to Barcelona for one final year?
🚨🗣️ Ronald Koeman: “I don’t think he will return as long as the president is here.” pic.twitter.com/HI27KO4t35
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) April 10, 2025
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