Barcelona academy director Patrick Kluivert addresses Ronald Koeman appointment links

Barcelona academy director Patrick Kluivert has responded to rumours linking his compatriot Ronald Koeman with the managerial position at the Camp Nou, stating that while a Catalan switch for the Netherlands manager is a possibility in the future, he does not wish to disrespect current boss Ernesto Valverde by discussing the matter.

Koeman has been tipped to be Valverde's successor at the Camp Nou

Koeman had recently announced that a specific clause in his contract with the Dutch national team allows him to leave his position should the Catalan giants come calling. However, the 56-year-old would only be permitted to step down after the 2020 edition of the European Championship.

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When asked about the likelihood of Koeman's appointment as Barcelona manager, Kluivert told SPORT,

"I know Ronald very well. Out of respect for Valverde, I don't want to position myself. (Ronald) is a very good coach, he's doing really well with the Dutch national team.

"One day? I don't know, maybe, but I insist, out of respect for Valverde, I don't want to talk about other managers when there's one in a job at this club."

Koeman remains one of the primary candidates to replace Valverde as Barcelona boss at the end of the current season but it remains to be seen if it happens.

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