Koeman: “Guardiola tells me it's great to work with Messi”

Ronald Koeman he spoke of Messi again in statements to the Dutch media NOS and acknowledged that Pep Guardiola has 'advised' him on Leo Messi: “I still have a lot of contact with Pep and he says it's great to work with Messi. You are a winner and if you don't you may feel upset. I have to make sure it works, that it feels important. He has to finish his career here, because he is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi“.

The Dutch coach also confirmed, as did in his presentation, than De Jong will play as a midfielder and not as an interior in his Barcelona: “Yes, that's my idea. If you invest in a young player and pay a lot of money for him, you have to put him to play in a position where he will perform well ”.

“That too It is applicable for Antoine Griezmann. It is not a true extreme. He has to play in a position that he is used to and where his qualities work as best as possible, “he added.

About Alfred Schreuder, which will be his second, said: “He has had a great role during his time at Ajax (as assistant to Erik ten Hag). And the players are always very positive towards him. He has also been an assistant to Julian Nagelsmann, the man of the future in the world of coaching. He has many ideas ”.

Asked about the coronavirus crisis, which will greatly limit his ability to maneuver with the signings, he commented: “Things are not bad when you see what kind of players there are and the talent they have. Then I have to meet the young people who come. There is a lot of future, even without making big transfers”.