Barcelona coach, Ronald Koeman, appeared this Saturday at a press conference in the preview of the match against Athletic, for which he continues to have the losses of Piqué, Ansu, Coutinho and Dest, although he recovers Sergi Roberto. Without signings, and with the electoral noise flying over the club despite the good results, these were the impressions of the Dutch coach.
What is the goal of tomorrow?
In the previous two games, we have had a chance to win them. They won the Super Cup and we know that they are physically strong, especially from set pieces. Get a lot of performance and you have to be focused. In the two games against them we have created our opportunities and we have to sentence the games. We have improved things without the ball and we have played more focused in the last games. We must continue like this. It is important not to make unnecessary fouls because they have quality from set pieces
Are you aware of the technical report that has been leaked?
It is always important to have someone in the club working to improve a squad. It doesn't bother me because it's a job the club has to do. Players cannot be upset by the issue. We talked to them and they played. These things happen in any club in the world.
Don't you see a problem with this report being publicly released; or see no problem in doing it Plans?
My job is to prepare the team for the games. And the one of Plans, to improve our staff. And if things come up, let him explain them. I don't read much press. I don't know what happened but my job is to think about the games. And it seems that more is said about other things. I'm interested in tomorrow's game. The other does not interest me at all.
The report says that Mingueza and Umtiti are not for high-demand matches. Do you share the report?
A Barça player has to be prepared for everything. Umtiti has been out for a while due to injury. Now he has recovered well. And Mingueza has played many games, central and winger. We will see what has to happen in the future. Everyone has to prove and no one knows what can happen in this club.
Without Eric García can you aspire to titles?
It is a season in which we are changing things, we have opted for young players. We try and we fight. But you have to be realistic about the changes we have made. Barça have to be prepared to fight but you have to be realistic. The Barça now is not to win many things.
From what you just said, aren't LaLiga and the Champions there to compete?
We know our situation in LaLiga. It is complicated but until the day that is possible, we will try to win our matches. There is no clear favorite for the Champions League. We have two games against PSG and we will try to pass. This is our job. We are Barça and the aspiration is always to win titles, but we have to be realistic.
Again two games out at 9:00 p.m. …
We would have liked to play at home in the Cup. I know that Barça is the most important team and that influences audiences. No more complaining. You have to accept it, play, and try to win the game.
Have you talked to Pep?
We have not talked about Eric García because it is not my job. We know that Eric is coming next season and if it is not possible for him to come now, he will come later.
How is Sergi Roberto?
I have seen him with the courage to be tomorrow. You have options to enter. You will see it tomorrow.
Do you give up Eric Garcia?
I do not know. I'm not interested. It's not my job.
Would you be interested in recovering Todibo?
He is a Barça player but I will not count on him.
How can you surprise Marcelino?
There are no surprises. We know each other, we have played two games together.
How do you understand that Neto may be low next season?
Once again. I will not go into this topic. At the end of the season, we will see.
Does Eric Garcia wear you out?
I cannot control what is not in my hands.