Ronald Koeman has been talking about everything Barcelona related before Tuesday’s La Liga clash against Real Valladolid.
The Barça coach gave an update on Ousmane Dembélé’s physical condition, spoke about Barça’s defense in the corners and was also asked about the latest interview with captain Lionel Messi.
Here are the best parts:
Koeman on Real Valladolid
You have to play a more regular game, be better with the ball and improve things without the ball. We must have maximum concentration during the game.
Koeman on the direction of Barça
Today is a team in which we have to change many things. The younger players are playing and that’s why we’ve been a bit inconsistent. We are also missing some players. Looking ahead, it looks good, but in Barcelona you have to win and fight for titles and it’s a complicated situation.
Koeman on Messi
I don’t need to see an interview with Messi to see how hungry and motivated he is. I see him with the team and his teammates. It is always difficult for any player who has won as much as not winning every game. I don’t know everything he said in the interview, we’ll see, but what he said about being motivated, I see it every day.
Koemanon on Sergio Ramos’ handball
I do not get it. I said after our game against Real Madrid, I don’t want to repeat it. Nine out of 10 people would have given the penalty. We know. I can give my opinion like everyone else and I can say that for me it is a penalty. The referee and his team and the VAR decided otherwise. I respect it because it’s not an easy job, but if you ask me, it’s a shame.
Koeman in the transfer market
I’m talking to Ramon Planes about sports related issues, not anyone else. I really don’t want to because I think we have to wait for a new president. Right now I have to lead the team, prepare for our games, there are many games. There is not even much time to talk about other things. we’ll see what happens in january
Koeman on whether Dembélé will be in the team
I think it’s too early. Yesterday he was part of the training session with the subsidiary, which is normal the day after the game. He needs more training sessions to be able to enter the squad list. He could enter the Eibar squad at the end of December.
Koeman on formations
I think that, looking at the players, we can play on various systems. When we have three midfielders, there is a lot of movement. Depending on the team you play for you can also have two defensive midfielders or just one. It’s about preparing and putting ourselves in a position to facilitate the game. If it’s 4-4-2, you can play with a central midfielder, it’s not a system set in stone.
Koeman in Araujo with the number 4
I don’t get involved with the jersey numbers, that’s a club problem. I think it’s a number with a lot of history, but I think it’s showing that he’s a brave boy. You need to improve many things. He is very strong physically and has a great future ahead of him. I hope you can wear number 4 for many more years.
Koeman in the corners
We always analyze set pieces to defend well. Sometimes our opponents have taller players. We have to be more focused on scoring. It happened with Valencia, we were in position but Ronald Araujo was a little out of position, not to blame him, but we have to concentrate more, score better. We know it’s hard work, and sometimes we lack taller players to defend ourselves from those kinds of plays.
Koeman on Real Valladolid as an ‘essential’ for title hopes
Every game that we don’t win is a step backwards, but it also depends on the results of the other teams. I still think that there are many games ahead, in which a lot can happen. The problem is not to draw at home against Valencia, the problem is that we have lost too many away games and now we are in a situation where we cannot stumble. It is a pressure for the team to know that we cannot go wrong if we want to shorten the gap.
Koeman says Lenglet will be benched
I think it’s just part of the roster shakeup that we have to do for physical reasons. It is impossible to keep up in such a short time.
