Ronald Koeman, Barcelona coach, appeared at a press conference this Friday in the preview of a match that is a final for Barça. A defeat would leave the Catalans nine points behind Atlético de Madrid that, with two games less, he would become a legitimate contender for the title. Koeman spoke after two weeks without appearing before the media. These were their ratings.
-Plays against an Atlético with casualties, but has shown a great level and has not lost. Is it the most difficult opponent?
“We know that it is a difficult game against a strong team. Simeone's work over many years must be highlighted. He has a very competitive team. It is a complicated match, but we are confident. We also have important casualties, but both teams arrive well. I hope it's a great game. “
-Do you think the atmosphere between Messi and Griezmann is rarefied?
“On the one hand, I can understand that Leo was pissed off. In my opinion, you have to respect people like Messi much more. After a trip, asking Messi about Antoine is disrespectful. You can create controversy. I have never seen that there is a problem between the two. There are enough images that they look like they work well. I am not in favor of looking for trouble. Someone has said something and that someone has not been a client of Griezmann for years. Are bullshit“.
-Do you see Messi out of Barça?
“No. And I'm not going to answer any more.”
-He used to say he's tired of being to blame for everything. How do you interpret it?
“I'm not going to answer any more questions about these things.”
-Do you understand that so many national team matches are played?
“We know that for big teams the schedule is very tight. Playing three games instead of two is difficult. I understand the coaches, but I have never risked with a player. There are coaches who think about the clubs. What I don't understand is that we always play at 9:00 p.m.. We always have to play at 9:00 p.m., one more hour in local time. This is not an aid to a large team. I understand that schedule at Atlético-Barça, but not at all of us who play. And you have to play on Tuesday night in Kiev. This is not an aid to athletes. You have to think more about the greats and the players. We go wrong in that sense“.
-Does it reassure you that Suárez does not play?
“We also have casualties. The coaches know that, in breaks, there may be casualties, even due to Covid.”
– Are you worried that people are against Griezmann?
“It doesn't worry me because I see Antoine happy, working well. And trying to improve things like any player.”
– Have the internationals returned well?
“They have arrived with normal fatigue. In the morning everyone has trained and less Busquets are available. We know that we can only do one workout. Well, the goal is to prepare. “
-How do you rate Guardiola's renewal?
“It is important that Pep continues as a coach because as a coach is a reference for all coaches. I'm happy for him, because he's very comfortable at City. It's nice. I congratulated you yesterday. If he is happy, I am happy. “
-Why has De Jong played all the games as a starter?
“For me he is an important player. He has improved and has to improve like any young player. We think about when we can give him a break, but they are important games and we will see when it is possible. “
-Coutinho returns to the call. Do you see him to play as a starter?
“We are happy that he has returned to training. He is training without problem and has been with the group for almost a week. You can always talk to the doctor. You can play start or you can enter. For any player, individually, you have to find a way to have them available. “
– Tomorrow's game has significance for the six points of advantage?
“It is an important game in which you have to get a good result. It is important for the points. LaLiga is very long, many things can happen. Atlético is a great team. It's a competitive team and we have to be good. “
-What do you think of Joao Félix?
“He has a great future. It has improved this season compared to the previous one. He is a key piece of Atlético. It has freedom and if you don't handle it well, it can complicate you. He has a great future. “
-Would winning the Wanda be a coup of authority?
“Yes, but I think we are on the right track. We have changed things, positions in the team …, if you achieve results like on Juventus day, there will be more confidence. The last word always exists in the field. “
-Do you have ten games in a month? Could it be Riqui's opportunity?
“Riqui is one of the young people who have to work a lot. Lately he has been working very well, he is trying to convince his coach and, depending on the performance of each one, will play when he deems he deserves to play“.
-Beyond tomorrow's game, what role can Coutinho have without Ansu?
“He can play in various positions at the top. It is not an extreme. If you play band, you have the freedom to play in the middle. And he can play as a playmaker. It can vary because he is a great player. The issue is that I get the most out of it for Barça. “
-Do you expect an Atlético to attack?
“The quality of Atlético is that they know how to play in different ways. It has a fairly fixed system, but they are used to playing more on the attack and also to defend a result or defend a great one like Barça “.
-What would you say to Messi to renew?
“He still has a one-year contract. In my opinion you have to continue here, but I am not the person who has to convince you. Nobody knows what may happen in the future. I have to defend Leo, because After 15 hours of travel, they do a one-hour check, and then you find a lot of press asking you a lot of questions. It is incredible what he has done for this club, he is the main person who has to make his decision about its future. “