Ronald Koeman, Barça coach, appeared at a press conference on the eve of the Clásico against Real Madrid. These were their ratings.
What do you expect from the game?
It is true that we can show that we are on the right track. It is important to play without fear, show that we can win and show that we are willing.
Looking at the trajectories of Barça and Madrid, who is playing more?
The two teams play a lot at each other. If we win we get ahead. We remember what happened last year. The result will not be decisive but it will tell of the moment of the two teams.
Do you detect pessimism in Barcelona, what arguments would you give to make him believe?
I don’t know if people have this mistrust. We do not. Because we know what we have and we want to show it. In a Classic there is no favorite. We have our people on our side. I do not have this fear that you have told us. We want to show that we have a good team.
Jordi Alba is on the list. How are you?
It is true that he had some discomfort. He has trained normally and is here to play, yes.
What do you expect from Ansu and from that duel with Vinicius?
El Clásico is not a duel between the two. They are on the right track. I think of Ansu, Vinicius is not my player. Ansu must be left a bit calm, that he fully recovers and has the physique of before the injury. It is not just Ansu. The important thing, although Ansu makes the difference, is the team. He has to improve as a player.
In a week, the club has renewed Pedri and Ansu. If they win tomorrow, will they beat Madrid. Could you say the same?
Everything he said is true, but first you have to win. This changes a lot and very fast. You have to try to win; and it is also against Madrid …
The Madrid and Barça squads have changed. Who has the best squad?
I do not know, I do not know. I am the coach of Barça. Surely there is an experienced team in some positions, but we also have our experience. There are always details in which they can be better but, in others, we are the best. I don’t see a clear favorite.
The other day he spoke of lack of effectiveness. It can improve?
We have talked about this topic, yes. And everyone agreed that you have to win to have more peace of mind. It is different to win a match 1-0 than 3-0.
Do you feel more pressure to be a Classic?
We can’t have more pressure. I know that if you are a Barça coach you have to live with this. And I know the importance of the Classics. I have won and I have lost. It is very important to win it, but you have to see the positive side and enjoy it. It is my first Clásico with an audience. I will enjoy. The game is important because we want to make our Catalans happy. We are going to put everything in to win the game.
Now they asked him if Koeman would continue. Does it reassure you a little more?
I am the coach tomorrow. And from tomorrow we will see … The president does not have to say every week that Koeman will continue. I feel supported by the president and the club but I know that everything depends on the results.
The team has a slightly irregular line but this week they have achieved two important victories. If they win tomorrow, will they take off?
If we win the Classic with all the changes we are making and with the young people who are playing, it would give us confidence, of course. Young people work to improve. I don’t feel like it’s an exam tomorrow. It’s a Classic, it’s important, and we want to win. But that has to be proved.
Would winning against Madrid strengthen you?
This week was important for what comes next. You have to be prepared for everything.
Do you have thought about how to approach the game tactically? Can the physicist be decisive, do you have surprises in store?
We cannot be surprised. The two teams analyze the opposite. Madrid is an experienced team, with great individual players who can read a game. The important thing is our possession, because Madrid plays well on the counterattack. They have hurt us in the last games. We have to have a good defensive organization. You have to find the balance. Play with personality in attack, but also defend.
There are players who have never played against Madrid. Eric, Gavi, Memphis. Can it affect them?
To know you have to play it. And for that we have enough players who have played Classics.
What virtues does Barça have to think that they can beat Madrid?
We know how to have the ball, but you have to have depth. Surely, the two teams do not create many opportunities. You have to be effective. We have quality players and we have to take advantage of what we have.