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Ronald Koeman was almost signed as Barcelona coach in 2003

Barcelona’s newest boss, Ronald Koeman, has long been linked with the job.

When Tata Martino left as Barcelona manager, he was mentioned as a possible replacement. Ultimately, Luis Enrique was picked. When Luis Enrique left, Koeman’s name was mentioned. But the club went with Ernesto Valverde. And when Valverde was sacked, Koeman was very heavily linked. Apparently, he turned down the offer to coach the Catalans. Instead, the job went to Quique Setién. And then, of course, Koeman was hired after Setién’s sacking.

And there was a long time where Barcelona actually came very close to signing Koeman.