Ronald Koeman appeared at a press conference to analyze the news of Barcelona, which immediately goes through the League match this Monday against Valladolid, at the Camp Nou.
How do you face this game, which comes after the national team break and a week before the Clásico?
We know they have COVID casualties and injuries. Despite the break, the players have come back eagerly. We know what we are at stake and we have to win.
Do you consider it a cheat match?
You have to be prepared. It will be difficult despite his casualties. If we enter with energy and rhythm it will be the best. I do not trust, will have to work.
Messi and De Jong are one card away from missing the El Clásico, are you considering making them rest?
We know, there is always risk, but this is not the time to rest. They are aware. You have to go game by game and put the best team possible every day.
Have you talked to Laporta about your meeting with the representative and Haaland's father?
We have used the break to meet with the president in order to improve the future, but I will not talk about players who are not ours.
Would it be healthy to have a deadline to know what Messi will do?
It is a very important matter. We are going to do our best to keep him. But the moment is now and tomorrow's game. The future is up to the president. We are pending of the parties.
How are Sergi Roberto and Piqué?
They are training with the team. They have improved a lot. Tomorrow we make the decisions. We are not going to risk. There are more games beyond the Classic.
Has the board given you confidence?
A lot. It is normal after the changes we have made. But in this world we know that we have to keep winning games.
What plans do you have with the renovated Àlex Collado?
He is an interesting player, but they are internal things. At the moment he and others have an important playoff for the entity. That is why Ilaix played with B.
What did you think of watching a game with an audience when you went to see the subsidiary?
I loved. There were only a thousand people, but we miss people. Hopefully soon we will have it at the Camp Nou.
It was against Valladolid when he used three centrals for the first time, why did he do it?
By his system, to find our free man between the lines. It's been going well for us lately.
What feelings have you had from your encounters with Laporta?
We all work to improve the team knowing the financial situation of the club, which is not the best. From day one they have shown me that they want to improve, but it depends on our possibilities. But I am pending of the parties, not of names.
Would you like to let the players know that you won't have them before the end of the course?
We must avoid noise while we are competing. Better to do it after the season is over.
Are you worried about the minutes of Dembélé, Griezmann or De Jong with your national teams?
They have all returned with great joy and without problems. Some have played a lot because they are important to their teams. We are at a time when you have to go for everything.
Is it realistic to think that Barça will sign a top striker this summer?
I don't know, it depends on the board and the president. They are the ones who must make the decision knowing the financial numbers.