Koeman: “If Messi does not have problems, he will always start”

Ronald Koeman spoke at the end of the match against Betis. He praised Messi and admitted that he had discomfort and that Ansu left touched.

What conclusions do you draw from the game?

It is an important victory due to the need for points we had. I'm happy because we created a lot of danger, we had opportunities to score and we had a good scoring performance in the second half. But in the first half, it wasn't fair 1-1. Luckily we scored in the second half. I'm happy with the game, but conceding a goal against with ten is not a good thing. I think it is a deserved victory.

Have you agreed to substitute Messi?

Since yesterday we have talked. Leo left the game against Dynamo Kiev with some discomfort and was not in a position to play from the beginning. We have put him on the bench. If Messi has no problems, he always plays from the beginning. Today he has not done it for some inconvenience.

What do you think this goal can give Griezmann?

I hope he continues working like this. To miss opportunities you have to be. Its character must be highlighted because it is always there. He himself knows perfectly well that he has missed a penalty and other occasions. But the important thing is that it is always there and that character is important.

What did Pellegrini say to him at the end of the game?

He was complaining about the timing of the penalty. I can understand it, and nothing more. I am not a person who I have to speak and say what he said to me after the game.

Was Ansu touched or by technical decision?

He has had discomfort at rest and we did not want to risk. That is why it has been the change.