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The head coach said his players are now playing much more effective soccer on the field.
Ronald Koeman claimed to have seen a “big change” in his Barcelona players compared to the way they started the season in La Liga.
The Blaugrana had five victories out of five Champions League games with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ferencvaros in Group G of the Champions League on Wednesday.
Barça will have a chance to win all six group stage matches for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign when they face Juventus at the Camp Nou on Tuesday.
However, Koeman’s team has struggled in La Liga this season and is 12 points behind leaders Real Sociedad, albeit with two games in hand, after losing three and drawing two of its first nine games.
The Dutchman, however, suggested that there has been a significant difference in the performances produced by his players in recent weeks.
It was emphasized by Barcelona’s elegant second goal, scored by Martin Braithwaite, which featured a sequence of 33 consecutive passes in preparation, the most for a goal scored in the Champions League this season.
“Lately, we have more effectiveness,” Koeman said at a post-game news conference. “In defense we can still improve, but we are on the right track and hopefully we can continue like this.
“The difference is that the team has been effective in the games. It is quite a big change compared to the beginning of the season. The hunger that we have, we have to show it.
“The most important thing is to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, but if you win six of six it would be a historic milestone.”
Barcelona’s victory in Hungary was ensured thanks to additional goals from Antoine Griezmann and fellow French international Ousmane Dembele, who scored from the penalty spot.
Koeman was particularly impressed with Dembele’s striking performance.
The 23-year-old had a threatening presence on the left wing and attempted five shots, more than any other Barça player.
“Dembélé is a great player,” added the Barcelona coach.
“He is very fast, he plays with both legs and is very well physically. For the coach it is difficult to make decisions when people like Dembélé are playing as is.”
“There is a lot of competition in attack. We can see that we have a good squad and we have been able to let several players rest.
“Those who have played have shown that there is competition, and they want to play well and create chances.”
