Ronald Koeman: Everton boss vows to see out contract despite 'dreams' of Barcelona
Last updated on .From the section Football
Everton boss Ronald Koeman insists he will see out his three-year deal despite admitting he would love to manage Barcelona one day.
He is in the first season of his contract at Goodison Park, having arrived from Southampton last summer.
The 54-year-old has told Catalan newspaper Sport that he dreams of coaching former club Barca.
But on Thursday, he said: "There's no chance that I will leave Everton before the end of my contract."
Koeman has been linked with a return to the Nou Camp after Luis Enrique said he was stepping down at the end of the season.
"I don't see me being the next manager," he added.
"I mentioned several times it's human ambition - for players, for managers. That doesn't change my position or contract with Everton. I'm really happy, I'm looking forward to next season."
In the newspaper interview, former defender Koeman - who spent six years at the Spanish club from 1989 to 1995 - said he was committed to getting Everton into the Champions League.
"I feel flattered and I like that they think about me," the Dutchman said.
"Everyone knows I'm Barca, they know my love for the club where I grew up as a player and a person.
"In my life as a professional coach, I have two dreams to fulfil. One, to coach my national team, Holland. I could have done it but my obligation to Everton prevented me. My other wish, my other dream, is to one day coach Barca. That's the truth."
Everton are seventh in the Premier League with three games remaining and look certain to miss out on a Champions League place this year.
"We have a very powerful and exciting project and we're going to strengthen as best as possible to try and reach the Champions League next season," Koeman said.
Asked what he would do if Barca called, he replied: "That's a hypothesis we cannot go into too much. In football, like in life, like in business, you can talk and discuss everything."
Meanwhile, Koeman said that striker Arouna Kone will leave the Toffees at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old Ivory Coast striker was signed from Wigan Athletic in 2013 after Everton met a £6m release cause.
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With a name "deez nuts" I highly doubt the above statement is correct.
He's done a good job this season. Steadied the ship and made some good signings without overspending (as most of the top 10 clubs seem to do). Can't wait for next season.
We'll lose him to a bigger club rather than sack him. I'm sure of that.
Just check out markthlegendkid......................
Ajax league title 2001/2 and 2003/4 and Dutch cup winners 2001/2
Benfica - Portuguese super cup 2005
PSV - league title 2006/7
Valencia Copa Del Rey 2007/8
What a clown...
I'm pretty comfortable with the idea he wants to manage Barca...as long as he gives his all 'til then but the grass is not always greener. See Moyes, David.
Just what you want to hear from your manager.
If your posting on a footie thread and you've never heard of Ronald Koeman then you need putting down.
Ta tar
The behaviour of the minority fans toward Sulley in Italy is the horrible face of football in Spain & Italy that is constantly covered up. What is much worse is the non-action of the League. I hope Garth Crooks's plea is taken up by the players
You don't invite a Barcelona based paper round to your living room for a chat, unless you want to make it known you're interested in the soon to be vacant Barca managers position.
Considering he is already in a job, it is both disrespectful and desperate.