Ronald Koeman cancels Barcelona press conference to read out personal statement

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman cancelled his press conference on Wednesday and instead read out a pre-prepared personal statement regarding the club's situation.

The Dutchman - whose position is under increasing scrutiny followed a run of poor results - refused to take questions from journalists ahead of his side's trip to Cadiz in La Liga.

Koeman's side have made a slow start to the season and only a last-minute equaliser from Ronald Araujo prevented them from slipping to a shock home defeat against Granada on Monday night.

That came less than a week after a humbling experience at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, where the German champions cruised to a three-goal victory with the home side failing to register a shot on target.

Ronald Koeman refused to take questions during Wednesday's press conference ( Image:

PABLO GARICA/RFEF/HO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Koeman was appointed by the club's previous president Josep Maria Bartomeu last summer but the election of the returning president Joan Laporta in March was always likely to prompt a change of direction at the club.

The relationship between Koeman and Laporta has swiftly deteriorated this year with the president stating at the end of last season that the Dutchman would remain in his post but only after a period of the club evaluating the possibility of finding a replacement.

Barca endured a difficult campaign in Koeman's first season at the helm as they tamely exited the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage before finishing an underwhelming third in La Liga.

They have won just two of their opening five matches across all competitions this season with Monday's draw at home to winless Granada - attended by just 27,000 of a possible 40,000 at Camp Nou - viewed as a low point.

Koeman has previously reiterated he is not interested in talking about his future and instead of fielding questions on Wednesday, read out his pre-prepared statement:

"Good morning everyone, the club is with me in this reconstruction period.

"The financial situation of the club is linked to the sporting output, this means that we have to rebuild the squad without being able to make big investments.

"Football needs time and patience, young people can be world stars in two years.

"The good thing is that young people will be able to have opportunities like Xavi and Andres Iniesta had in their day, but it requires patience.

"Also, to have a high ranking in La Liga would be a success for us.

"In the Champions League you cannot expect miracles. The defeat against Bayern Munich it must be taken from this perspective.

"The club must be supportive, in word and in deed.

"I know that the press recognise and understand this process, it is not the first time it has happened in the history of FC Barcelona.

"We count on the support of the fans in these difficult times, we as a squad and players are very happy with the support we had from the fans in the game against Granada."

The message appears to be directed at president Laporta, whereby he attempts to lower the club supremo's expectations of success this campaign.

Koeman is out of contract at Camp Nou at the end of the season but there is increasing speculation that the club may fire him - which would cost approximately £10million - unless results improve.