Koeman: “Doctors recommended Messi rest”

Ronald Koeman has addressed the media at the press conference prior to the match against Eibar.

How do you rate finishing the year with victory?

Eibar is competitive, they push a lot and we will have to be fine as we were in the last game. If not, it will be very complicated.

Why isn't Messi here?

Leo had an ankle discomfort and could not train or play. So we gave him two more days of vacation. He will return after the game. The doctors recommended rest.

Were you aware of Messi's interview?

I have not seen it live, but I have read it in the press. I think it's perfect that you explain your opinions. I was always calm with him and he doesn't change. We cannot influence your decision and you have to get the best out of it. We'll see what happens.

What do you think that says that his signing was a success?

Not that it calms me down, but I appreciate it because it is very important. Anyone likes to be talked about well. I am still the same one who tries to move the team forward in a year of transition.

If Pochettino arrives at PSG, would it facilitate Messi's arrival in Paris?

I do not know. I don't know if what the press says is true. Messi will decide his future without depending on a coach. It is a decision with the family. We will face them in two months, a long way to go.

Would you have liked to prepare this game?

We have three training sessions before, the first was individual. The breaks are necessary and it is necessary to disconnect. With two workouts it is not a problem. If not, we would not have partied for four days.

Will Dembélé arrive at the game?

The list is tomorrow, but Ousmane is fine and working at the same pace as the rest. In principle it will be.

Will there be a list of casualties for the winter market?

We are talking about aspects to improve with the technical secretariat, but there is nothing definitive. There are players who count for little. Our job is to prepare for when the president arrives and finish the proceedings.

Will the 3-5-2 continue?

There is a lot of talk about systems, but the important thing is the energy and the work of the players. Any system can be offensive or the opposite. The good thing is to change and that the opposite doubts.

How does it affect that Messi is not there in the election of the system?

Not having Messi is an important loss due to his quality and effectiveness, but we do not make the system for him. There are players who can play in their position and hopefully they do well.

Is Griezmann the one chosen to play Messi?

We lack someone with effectiveness and we will need the best version of others.

How do you assess the year on a personal level?

The start was quiet because I was a coach, I had more heart problems and then COVID came. Now I am in the place I wanted to be, but it is also complicated. Next year we will be better in all aspects.

Does Pedri need support being so young in the face of so much praise?

From what I know him, he is an example of how being so good at that age has to be carried out. We try to help you, we advise you, but you come from a humble family and you know exactly what you have to do and you know that nothing is done. You have a great future if you keep working.

Are you considering going out with Riqui, Umtiti or Firpo?

We are preparing to give options for young people to play for half a year in another team, but the decision is up to the player. We prepare and hopefully in a week of time to finish.

Were you clear when you were a player that you were going to be a coach, because Messi says he wants to be a sports director?

You consider that at the end of the race, it depends on each one. If he says he sees himself more as a sports director, that's fine with me and it would be good for the club because he is a star and has the experience.