What Must Ronald Koeman Fix at Barcelona?

Although the margin of the scoreline was a shock, those who have followed Barcelona since the restart will have seen how much they have struggled to function as a collective unit.

Former Barca player Ronald Koeman has now picked up the reins from Quique Setien. The Dutchman has been charged with picking up the pieces left by the previous head coach in what is going to a rebuilding operation this summer.

Here are three things Koeman needs to fix fast in order for Barca to challenge for major trophies again next season.

Defense Needs Replacing

Before that embarrassing

in the Champions League, you had to go all the way back to 1946 for the last time Barca conceded eight goals in a competitive match. Although the German club are one of the most dangerous teams in Europe, it was far too easy for them.

It would be no surprise if the new Barca boss completely changed his back four next season. Gerard Pique looks way past his best, while Clement Lenglet has come up a long way short of the required standards.

Good central defenders are not easy to find at the moment. Koeman, however, will understand how crucial it is for his side to improve in this area. They will not be able to compete with the major clubs in Europe next season unless they improve their back four.

Convince Lionel Messi To Stay

 at Barcelona runs through to the end of next season, but given the way the last year has gone, he might just be thinking about making an early exit.

The magician is still integral to Barca. Despite last season being one to forget for the Catalan club, Messi scored 31 goals in all competitions.

This summer is not the first time there have been rumors about his future. Koeman’s job will be to convince the Argentine that he should stay and that they can win trophies collectively. Barca have 

 of +225 to win La Liga next season. If Messi does depart, expect to see the Catalan club drift in the outright market.

Messi is in the latter stages of his career now, so he is bound to want to make each season over the next few years. Whether that is with Barca or elsewhere, only he can answer.

Find the Best Out of Last Summer’s Investments

Barcelona spent €273 million last summer on their squad with the notable signings of Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong. Although those two players did ok in their opening season at the Nou Camp, Barca fans will feel there is more to come.

Koeman will be expected to get more from those two stars. Griezmann scored lots of goals in La Liga with Atletico Madrid, while de Jong was one of the standout players for Ajax in the 2018/19 campaign.

The new Barca boss will be under no illusions that he faces a tough task. If he can replicate some of the success he had during his playing days at the Catalan club, the Spanish giants could bounce back to the top very quickly.