Ronald Koeman spoke in the Barça-Dinamo preview this Wednesday, marked by the cases of Covid-19 of the Ukrainians. The Catalans are in a comfortable position in the Champions League, but very delicate in LaLiga, very far from Madrid.
What are your goals for the team tomorrow?
“The objectives are always the same. Play football well, create opportunities to score and the home games in the Champions League have to be won. We are doing well and we want to continue in that direction.”
UEFA protocol is not very clear on Dinamo's situation. What have they told you about UEFA?
“We know that Dinamo has its problems due to the Covid issue. We have to wait for the results. I don't know the UEFA regulations. What we have to do is prepare for the game and hopefully we can play it. We have the Covid issue. to live. It has a lot of influence on our life and our work. It is not easy. If you have people with Covid, you have to follow the rules that exist. In the case of Dinamo, it influences their quality. But last week we saw the Shakhtar arrive with casualties and they won against Madrid. You can't expect them to go down so much. I don't know, I don't know the people they have. “
What management will there be with Ter Stegen?
“Marc has been training with the group for almost a week, a little less. We see Marc well. He has been away for a while and tomorrow morning, after the last training session, we will decide the team.”
You know Barça, it's a team that doesn't have time to wait. But would you ask people to be patient, give them a little time?
“Yes, that's the way it is. I get comments that people are happy. Not because of the two points in the four matchdays, but we have been the team that have created the most chances. We created 5.5 chances and scored a goal. We are not happy about that figure. We are improving but the image that we are showing, making changes and with young people, people like. We are going to continue on this path. “
Would you like to have another type of forward that you don't have now?
“Everyone knows my position. Several times I said that we were missing, but it depends on the club, how it is economically. We have to wait and I cannot force it either. I have been knowing the economic issue of the club; so if it is not possible, it is not possible. And we will work with what we have. “
How do you rate the performance of young people?
“We have young, quality people. It depends on the performance of these players. As a coach, I have to protect these players. Pedri did well against Madrid and Juventus, but he can't play every game either. You also have to protect them. But there are young people to change things at the club. If they are playing, it is because they deserve it. “
In his time as a player, he played against Dynamo Kiev. It was said that it was the best match of the Dream Team.
“I don't know if it was the best, but it was one of the best games. They were a strong team and when I talk to Guardiola, I always talk about that game. With good football, attacking, with danger. Hopefully tomorrow we will do something similar.”
Setién said that Messi is difficult to manage. What do you think?
“I respect what people think. Leo is the best in the world, very good. I see every day his ambition, his winning character. And he talks to himself. I have no difficulties leading. For me he is the captain and I talk to him every week about things from the field and the locker room to have a good relationship with him. I don't agree with Setién. I see him differently. If he thinks like this, that's how it is for him. “
What about Matheus, is it useful for the double pivot?
“We are working with him. He has to improve some aspects to play six. There are players like Aleñá who can play there. He knows that he has Busquets, De Jong, Pjanic ahead. He has to work day by day.”
What memory do you have of Tonny Bruins?
“Yesterday's news was very sad. We had friendship until the last day. Here at Barça he was a fantastic helper for Johan and Charly. He had an incredible knowledge of football. We are going to miss him.”
Don't you miss a figure like Johan Cruyff, someone who gives general support to the club?
“I don't know. I understand the criticism. Winning two points in the last four days is not good and it is normal for criticism to come. I accept criticism, I accept it and I keep working on improving things. There is never a quiet day because there is always something. We know where we have to improve. But what counts is winning games “.
What do you like most about the team than what you have seen?
“What I like the most is that he is open to listening and that we have improved the intensity of the training sessions. What I like least, of course, you have to get it right.”
Is it true that Messi is going to rest in this game?
“About Messi, I can't answer you right now. Tomorrow, yes.”
Are you optimistic about your future at Barça?
“My future is not the most important thing, but living day by day. We are changing things, we ask for some tranquility and time. In LaLiga we have not obtained good results or we have won the games and in that we have to improve. But I am very at ease. With the team and with the players. “