Ronald Koeman He prefers to turn the page every time they ask him about his time at Valencia, “and we won a Copa del Rey”, but Dutch assumes that his adventure at the club was very complicated, “you can't work there with ease.” Now he faces his former team, leading a Barcelona that is slowly licking the wounds of the 0-3 against Juventus in the Champions League. “We have two victories in a row at the Camp Nou and we are going for the third,” emphasizes the coach, although he warns his pupils that we need “more effectiveness.”
How do you face the game against Valencia?
Any game we play is up to ourselves. We have to stay focused and energetic. Valencia is a strong team. In the last six games they have only lost one, against Atlético de Madrid. They have even beaten Real Madrid. We are a team that always creates opportunities. We are doing great football in attack, but you have to know how to sentence.
How do you assess the connection between Messi and Pedri?
For a coach it is very important to have all the players available. We need depth with our game, with Messi, we have one more in the midfield. Freedom is more important than systems. We have more freedom and that makes it more difficult for our rivals. But good players always connect, although there are more connections in our team
Have you found the key with Pedri and De Jong as interiors?
You also have to analyze the rival. I am in favor of taking the midfield with people who can attack and defend. With the midfielders we have we can play in various systems, but without obsessing over it. The important thing is that people have more freedom and can exchange in the middle of the game
Have you noticed that the attitude in the group has changed for the better?
I've always seen a good atmosphere, despite the defeats. Everything is easier when you win a match. It was a game where the game without the ball was very important because of the quality of the opponent. We want to have this energy in every game. We want to dominate, steal balls and play at the top. We have won two of the three games at home, we are missing tomorrow.
Does your time at Valencia and your disputes with some players like Cañizares or Albelda bring you bad memories?
I know that they are commentators and that each one seeks his life. Valencia was not my best memory as a coach. Maybe I was wrong in my decisions. It was a short stay, but at least we won the Cup. Valencia is a difficult place. In the last fifteen years they have had many changes. Lack of tranquility to work.
Is the challenge to get to the level of the first half for a whole game?
The problem is more on the scoreboard. Going 2-1 at halftime was too little. We should have scored two more goals to be calmer. I will put a team with hunger against Real Sociedad.
Will you bet on Mingueza again?
I will first speak to the player before I speak to the press.
What is your assessment of Araújo's performance?
Despite his youth, he is physically very strong. Despite its height, it is quite fast. He has a strong character, commands and trains hard. He has to improve things with the ball, both in circulation and in the first control. But he has a great future and he always wants to improve and listen to any advice.
Still annoyed with the calendar?
Yes. It's crazy. If we win the semifinal of the Super Cup there is one more game if possible. I have seen that we play against Granada at six in the afternoon. A game before nine at night. We are killing the players. This issue must be resolved.
Will you give Dest a break in a match?
At least we need two in each position, but now with Sergi Roberto everything is more limited. Mingueza can fill that position, but Dest is fine physically.
What do you think of De Jong?
He has taken more freedom in his game and tried to have more weight in the upper phase. He is a fast player with the ball. You have taken on more responsibilities. I like what he is doing on the field and the way he has taken command.
Would you like the same attitude of Araújo with Riqui Puig?
I like people who work to improve every day and take that possibility with both hands. It not only depends on the technical quality, there are other things. We lack little things. I may not do enough in training.
Are you worried about Coutinho?
I like it. Lately he has not performed at his level because he comes from some discomfort, but he has plenty of experience to return.
What is Pjanic missing to play more?
In the midfield there is a lot of competition. I put Aleñá before Pjanic because Aleñá is left-handed and needed a southpaw in midfield. It is he who has to show that the coach is wrong.
