MADRID (Dispatches) - FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has given his clearest indication yet that Ronald Koeman will continue as head coach of the first team next season.
Koeman’s future has been in doubt since the season ended with Barca in third place behind Atletico and Real Madrid in La Liga, although things began to look brighter for the Dutchman after a meeting with Laporta a week ago.
Speaking on Tuesday the Barca president commented that Koeman had “a contract and our will is to respect it,” and on Wednesday at the presentation of defender Eric Garcia, who has arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City, Laporta was again quizzed about the coach.
“I hope the conversations will conclude soon for the best for Barca,” commented Laporta.

Messi Contract Talks
Going Well

On Monday, Laporta also said that talks over a new deal with forward Lionel Messi are progressing well, and that the club will be announcing more new signings shortly.
Messi’s current contract expires at the end of June and he is free to discuss a move to another club, but media reports on Tuesday suggested an agreement was imminent.
“We’re talking and it’s going well. It doesn’t depend on the audit,” Laporta told a news conference.