Ronald Koeman He spoke in the preview of the match against Dinamo Kiev in which the Barça club is playing its future in the Champions League. These were his statements.
What must the team do to win the first three points in the Champions League?
Last year we played Dinamo and we beat them twice, but this season they are a better team. We know what to expect. Tomorrow we will risk our future in the Champions League because if we lose both games, we have to win.
Is tomorrow’s game decisive?
Yes. We have to win to have a chance to go to the second round. There is no other choice but to win the match. We know what we have to do, which is to score points. It is the only possibility of passing.
How does the team have to come out to beat Dinamo?
As in any game, we will try to prepare well. You have to see how the players are physically, but the eleven that we put in is capable of winning the game.
You said that with this team under construction, no miracles can be expected. Have you changed your mind and think you can compete in the Champions League?
I think we can compete, but we cannot be required to win the Champions League. There are teams that are ahead of us, but we will try to compete. We are recovering players and, although they are not yet in the best moment, they make us improve. But we have to compete and get through this group stage.
It has a group of veteran players, but also young players. How do you see them facing tomorrow’s challenge?
They are ready. There are experienced players who have to be the example in these games. And the youngsters have shown that they can withstand the pressure because they are Barça players and have already played other important games. Experience is not a problem when facing a match like tomorrow’s.
To what extent do you demand it from your team?
It is not known, it depends on many circumstances. We must continue in this line. We played a great first half against Valencia, we went down in the second. But I think we were at a good level. You have to be aggressive when you don’t have the ball, play your game. And there is room to improve things.
Will you take into account the Classic?
I do not take into account the name of the opposite. The first game is always the most important. I already said the other day that it is impossible for Ansu to play three full games in seven days. You have to look for the best for the group and for the players.
In which line do you see Coutinho?
Philippe hasn’t played for a long time, and he has to take minutes to pick up his rhythm. We know its quality and it has competition. But yes, he is an important player for the next matches.
“Now I have two days of tranquility,” he said the other day. Do you feel firm?
I said it because it was the truth. We all depend on our results and we are in a country where things are even more exaggerated.
Barça has been competing better in the League than in the Champions League for a long time. Why has it cost Barça more for years?
Surely it is because the big teams have improved and Barça has lowered their level. I don’t know why, because I can only comment on how long I’ve been there. There is a change. There are teams today that have a balance in their squad, a bench with many international players and with a better economic situation. Everything influences this.
Do you think that Daniel Alves could play for Barça?
No one has told me about him or the possibility of him coming, so I don’t like to answer about this.
What would it be like to make a good Champions League for you?
I do not know. It always depends on the circumstances and the moment. It is not normal that we are required to reach the quarterfinals, semifinals and final. What you have to do is win tomorrow, that’s what matters to me now. Because we have lost two games.
Do you know anything about the renewal of Ansu, what would you suppose to continue?
All I know is that the renovation is near and it is very important news. It has quality and has to mark the future of this club.
