‘He’s a clown’: Ronald Koeman’s wild touchline celebrations during Barcelona’s 5-3 Copa del Rey victory over Granada ‘leaves Roberto Soldado fuming as substitute hits out at rival boss’… before both sets of coaching staff clashed on the touchline
Former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado has accused Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman of being a ‘clown’ after a feisty Copa del Rey encounter on Wednesday.
According to Cuatro, Koeman ‘lived very intensely’ throughout the game and ‘angrily celebrated’ his side’s goals.
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman (centre) was accused of being a ‘clown’ by Roberto Soldado
Barcelona were accused of celebrating over-zealously in their Copa del Rey quarter-final
The Dutch boss ran into the stands to celebrate a goal with his players, prompting anger from the Granada bench over what they felt was unsporting behaviour.
Soldado, 35, who scored in the 47th minute, was taken off in the 66th and received a 95th-minute yellow card for his actions off the pitch.
He shouted: ‘He’s a clown, he’s a clown’ at Koeman, while both sets of coaches later clashed angrily on the sidelines.
The Catalan giants were 2-0 down thanks to goals from Chelsea loanee Kenedy and veteran forward Soldado, but scored twice in the last three minutes to take the match to extra time.
Soldado and Granada were annoyed about Koeman’s celebrations in a 5-3 win for the Catalans
The ex-Tottenham striker had put Granada 2-0 up before Barcelona’s thrilling late comeback
Both sides scored before late goals from Frenkie de Jong and Jordi Alba in the second half of extra time wrapped up the victory.
Barcelona lie second in LaLiga on 40 points and only ahead of third-placed Real Madrid on goal difference, 10 points off leaders Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand.
The Blaugrana travel to Real Betis on Sunday before their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg away at Sevilla the following Wednesday.
