Ronald Koeman, Barcelona coach, spoke at a press conference in the Barça-Atlético preview, the decisive match for the league title.
The two teams that have scored the most goals in LaLiga play. What will be the key to the game?
“They are both very good teams. We are fighting with two more teams. The two teams cannot be compared because the styles are different. But there are ways to win things. We have to be good with the ball because Atlético closes well and he defends well. We have to be good with the ball to create opportunities and be effective. “
The team has had problems in the big games.
“During a season, there are times of ups and downs. We have recovered ground and we are in a situation that we did not expect, fighting for the championship. The day can mean an important step for any of the four. You have to be mentally well and aggressively when we don't have it. the ball”.
Will LaLiga decide tomorrow or win or lose?
“I don't think it is decisive because there will be three games left, but of course it is important. It is not decisive.”
LaLiga has opened a file to the Barça players for setting up a barbecue at Messi's home. The Generalitat also caught his attention and will investigate the issue. It was a mistake?
“This is not the time to talk about this issue, the game is more important.”
How important would it be to be on the bench and not in the stands?
“It would be important but I don't know if the Committees will meet. I don't know if it can be confirmed or not that I can be there. If I can be, fine. If not, as on Valencia day, the staff is good enough. We have been together for some time and our ideas are the same. You don't have to go crazy if you can't be on the bench. “
It is the first time that Suárez faces Barça. Will you be especially motivated, what does it mean to have Suárez in front of you?
“It will be something strange for the player himself, and also for the players on our team. It may be strange but we are professionals and each one will give their best. We don't have to think about it any more. We have to focus on him and the others who come. Think about where to push, cancel your game. “
Do you still think that to be the champion you have to win everything?
“Yes. I have not changed my mind. If we win the four that we have left, we will be champions.”
Have you been able to speak with Ansu, how is he?
“I have not spoken with Ansu yet. I did speak before his trip. I spoke with our doctor after his operation. We have encouraged him but it is true that the poor boy has been for a long time. There are things that have not gone well in Ansu's recovery “I don't want to go in any more but five or six months is a long time. Now he has to recover and, a pity, he won't be able to play until next season. It has been a significant loss this season but now what counts is that he recovers.”
Dembélé is playing little. Do you have discomfort or is it a sports matter?
“They are technical decisions. He can be or he can be on the bench. There are always things to change during a game and we need all the players. Tomorrow we will put the best team to win the game.”
Is the mental aspect more important tomorrow than the physical aspect?
“There is not one thing especially more important than the other. Each team has its style and our style is different from Atlético. There is a game without the ball, with the ball. The important thing is to be together to be well against them.
Can the defeat in the Champions League influence LaLiga?
“I don't think. They are things that you have to accept and you have to follow. I don't think it influences you.”
You say you talk to the captains to discuss tactical things. Has Messi's tactical knowledge surprised you?
“He is interested in the tactical position of the team. He has a lot of quality for this team, but he does not think only about himself but about others. He thinks about how a team can perform and win. I already realized that when I spoke with him in the summer. “.
Do you expect an aggressive or withdrawn Atlético?
“It is true that in some matches Atlético has gone to press more. You have to be prepared. Each one looks for his quality and his way of being. We have always been an attacking team, but I have already said that there are other ways to win. . Each one looks for the best. You have to be true to yourself. We are not going to change. Surely they will be very close when they don't have the ball and we have to be very good with the ball to take advantage of the moments we have. “
Does your planning for next season include Messi to follow?
“The best thing for us is that Leo continues. That way it will be easier to plan, if Messi continues. Of course we are talking about the preseason, the signings, the needs of the squad. I do it as other coaches are doing.”
Have you talked more this week with the players, how do you prepare for such an important match?
“This week has not been different from other weeks. We have been together for a long time, we know how to play. We have analyzed the rival and we will do it tomorrow. But we must not do anything different either because everyone knows the importance of tomorrow's game.”
Have you been told about Mateu, what would you ask the referee?
“Better not talk about the referees because, in general, the FEF puts one of the best referees for these games. It is hoped that he gets his decisions right, but you don't have to think about the referees. You have to think about yourself, plan , and hopefully the decisions of the VAR are fair for us and for Atlético “.
Do you think there was something personal about his expulsion?
“Yes, I think it was personal. Because saying what a character in Spanish or 'what a person' in English is not insulting. It is not a reason to sanction. So yes, there is something else.”
