Rivaldo: “If Barça signed Alaba, it wouldn't be a victory over Madrid”

Rivaldo, legend of FC Barcelona and Betfair Ambassador, he valued in positive the work of Koeman with the young promises culés. So much so, that Rivaldo believes that the Blaugrana coach's clear and determined commitment to boys like Pedri, Mingueza or Ilaix will end up making the Spanish National Team better.

“Koeman's footprint in Barcelona is already visible even in the Spanish National Team, with Pedri's call. Surely other young culés can follow in his footsteps. The trust that Koeman is placing in young people will be crucial for Luis Enrique to benefit from ‘La Roja’ ”, added a Rivaldo who, by the way, shared a dressing room with Luis Enrique.

Rivaldo made these reflections regarding his opinion favorable to Koeman's continuity, for which he also found tactical arguments. “He changed the system at the beginning of the season and the team did not play well, but he has continued to vary until he found a defense of three in which the team, now, produces magnificent football and also allows them to win games. What he did against Real Sociedad was impressive ”, he analyzed.

“Signing Alaba would not be a victory over Real Madrid”

The Betfair ambassador was excited about the possibility of FC Barcelona signing Alaba, but not because he is snatched from Real Madrid, another of his potential suitors, but because he sees the Austrian as a magnificent defender. “It would be an excellent improvement for the Barcelona defense. Alaba is a top player, currently European champion and with many years of football ahead of him. Of course it would be great to sign him. Many will see it as a victory against Real Madrid, but I don't think so ”, he reflected.

“Now Barcelona must focus on itself and not think about rivals because only then can it be a strong European team again as it has been a few years ago”, Rivaldo advised.

“It is increasingly clear to me that Messi could stay”

Rivaldo also confessed that, where he was pessimistic about Messi's continuity, he is now optimistic. “More and more I believe that Messi could reach an agreement with the new board to sign a renewal and stay at the club for a few more years. You just have to see the confidence boost that Messi has had since the election of Laporta, with which he gets along great. All of this considerably increases their options to stay for a few years ”, he argued.

On the opposite side, Rivaldo almost ruled out the possible return of Neymar one day, despite the fact that Abidal revealed that in 2019 he was a real alternative to Griezmann. “In football everything is possible, but PSG is making heavy investments to fight for the Champions League, so the options for Neymar to return to Barcelona may have already evaporated,” the Betfair ambassador was sincere.

“Raúl will train Real Madrid one day”

Rivaldo wanted to congratulate Raúl on the classification of Real Madrid Castilla to play the play-off for promotion to the Second Division. Both were rivals on the pitch, but their relationship was cordial. “Raúl is following in Zidane's footsteps. His work at Castilla seems very solid to me and I am sure that he is preparing to be the manager of Real Madrid one day. The fans want it. I believe that he will succeed ”, he claimed.

“I do not see Raúl encouraging things to go wrong for Zidane to replace him, but it is clear that one day he will occupy his position. I suppose that now he will be waiting for a good offer from a European club that allows him to take a step forward in his growth. Especially if Zidane continues to do well in the first team. I don't see Zidane leaving at the end of the season ”, concluded the Betfair ambassador.

Barcelona Shield / Flag