Glasgow Times

Koeman brushes off Barca rumours

- By STUART McDONALD

EVERTON boss Ronald Koeman refused to talk about speculatio­n linking him with the forthcomin­g vacancy at Barcelona.

The former Barca player and assistant manager is used to rumours of a return to the Camp Nou and was steering well clear of the subject yesterday.

The Dutchman said: “Every word from my side about Barcelona is too much.”

One of the biggest jobs in world football is up for grabs this summer after current incumbent Luis Enrique announced this week that he will step down after three seasons in the role.

Another name linked with the job is Mauricio Pochettino, who Koeman faces tomorrow when Everton travel to Tottenham.

The Argentinia­n, Koeman’s predecesso­r at former club Southampto­n, has turned Spurs into Premier League title contenders.

Koeman said: “I think he’s managing a big club and I think he’s happy. In the past I think they talked about [Pochettino going to] Man United.

“I was the manager after Pochettino was managing Southampto­n and I think he’s doing a really good job at Tottenham.”

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte has reiterated his commitment to Chelsea after reports linked him with Inter Milan.

The 46-year-old former Juventus and Italy coach has rejuvenate­d Chelsea this season and there has been speculatio­n concerning a return to his homeland this summer.

But Conte says his focus is with Chelsea, having begun a three-year contract last July.

“My situation is very clear,” stated Conte. “I have a contract with Chelsea. We are trying to do something important with the club, for the present, for the future.”

 ??  ?? Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Everton manager Ronald Koeman

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