Ronald Koeman spoke to the media at the previous press conference for Barcelona's last game in the group stage. The Barça team, leaders of the group, face Juventus after the defeat against Cádiz.
What goals do you set for tomorrow?
Our goal is to play well and finish first. We have an advantage and we have a chance to be first.
How is Dembélé and how was he injured?
It's a shame to lose another player. He noticed discomfort, thought it was nothing and continued. It is a pity. He has a past with injuries and that is why I complain about the match schedules, I think we are going to lose more players. If you have to play Tuesday night, you have to think about playing before for the good of the players of the Spanish teams. We got home at four thirty in the morning. We always play at nine. They are not helping us as a Spanish team.
What responsibility do you have in the situation in LaLiga?
The responsibility is always the players. You have to rotate for health reasons. It is my responsibility.
How do you feel emotionally before the situation in the table?
It is to be unhappy. There is a difference between losing like on Saturday or how we lost against Atlético, we have to analyze how they mark us and create danger for us. I don't do theater. If I lose I'm pissed off and have told the players. Goals like the ones we have conceded cannot be accepted.
What message have you conveyed to your players?
It is a responsibility to be here. What is said inside stays inside. There are things that cannot be improved with training. You have to analyze and communicate to seek maximum effectiveness. You have to be more effective and have fewer failures. We have missed too many points.
Are you worried about the noise around Messi?
I want to have communication with Leo about the game and things about the team like any player, not to put energy into what happens outside. I have no influence there.
In what position do you like Pedri the most?
He has been the player who has participated in almost every game, which for a 17-year-old is a big thing. He has several positions and knows how to do it. It depends on where of the rival, it is a tactical issue. He knows how to do it because he's a smart guy.
Do you think about changes for tomorrow?
We lack important people like Ansu and Dembélé, who give depth. You have to look for the best for the team tactically, but also in freshness. We will put together a strong team to stay first in the group.
Is it the fault of the mistakes in LaLiga?
The teams in our championship know how to complicate us more like Cádiz or Alavés. If we got ahead in those games it would have been different. The fault is ours. You have to kill the games, there is no more.
Is there a funnel at the center of the attack?
There are many players who prefer to play more in the center than on the wing, but they have freedom to move when they start from the wing like Coutinho. We can't play five down the middle.
Do you miss the players cheering each other on during the game?
We don't need people in the stands to cheer on our players. We are more creative than other teams. I don't like yelling during the game, as a player I didn't like it anymore. What we have is to take more responsibility on the field.
What would you say to those who think that Leo is not so decisive?
It is the most important in our attack. Our chances almost always come from him, but he is the easiest culprit for his trajectory. He is not wrong in defense.
Pjanic is always a starter in the Champions League where you always win and not in LaLiga, why?
They are tactical decisions. His role is different from Juve. We press higher. It came later and it will surely improve.
Have you noticed an improvement in De Ligt at Juve?
Despite his age, he has a lot of experience. In his position he can become the best. You want to improve. It's a shame that he's at Juve and not here.
Can Cristiano be an extra motivation?
It is not a stimulus that comes. It is an important match between two very big teams. Cristiano is one of the best who always scores, always fights and remains in the elite. We know that it can hurt us and that is why we have to defend well and have the ball.
What has the competition between Messi and Cristiano contributed to football?
It is fantastic to have seen them in these years. They have been the best of the last 15 years. They are different, I operate they are incredible scoring, winning titles. I admire you both. They have given us great nights and I hope we can enjoy them tomorrow.
MUJER HOY magazine is in luck. Firstly, because it has been in the market for…
MADRID, 29 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) - The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has congratulated…
The resignation of Íñigo Errejón as deputy and spokesperson for Sumar and his abandonment of…
MADRID 27 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) - The Spanish Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)…
Oviedo 25/10/2024 - 18:58 Autumnal and very cool afternoon in this Oviedo that is about…
MADRID, 24 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) - This Thursday, the Morocco Pavilion at Expo92 in Seville…