Southampton boss Ronald Koeman says he would jump at the chance to manage former club Barcelona after admitting his deep affinity with the Catalan giants . The Dutch coach spent six seasons playing for the La Liga club , winning four consecutive league titles and a European Cup between 1989 and 1995 . Koeman , who has led Southampton to the brink of qualifying for Europe despite the club selling several of its best players last summer , also joined Barcelon ' a backroom staff becoming assistant to Louis van Gaal in 1998 . Ronald Koeman admits that he would be delighted to return to Barcelona as manager . The Southampton manager played for Barcelona for six years and won four league titles and a European Cup . Koeman ( right ) returned to club after retiring and was Louis van Gaal 's ( left ) assistant . The pair are pictured her with Jose Mourinho ( second left ) and Frans Hoek in 1999 . And the former Holland international has revealed that he would love to return to Barcelona as manager . 'The entire world knows what I have with Barcelona and what Barcelona have with Ronald Koeman , so if I could become Barcelona coach one day , I would be delighted , ' the Southampton boss told radio station Cadena COPE . Koeman throws his arms out during Southampton 's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday . Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is under increasing pressure after slipping behind Chelsea . The 51-year-old was also asked about the possibility of replacing Manuel Pellegrini , who is under increasing pressure after falling behind Chelsea in the Premier League title race and facing elimination from the Champions League - as Manchester City manager . ' I am friends with [ director of football ] Txiki [ Begiristain ] , there is contact with him and he has my telephone number , ' Koeman said .
Ronald Koeman played for Barcelona for six years between 1989 and 1995 . The Dutchman won four league titles and one European Cup with Barca . Southampton boss admits he would love to manage the Catalan club .