FC Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman was asked about a number of things in the pre-match press conference for the first league game against Real Sociedad. The coach talked about life after Messi, the situation of the squad and much more.
KOEMAN’S PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF TOMORROW’S GAME AGAINST REAL SOCIEDAD.
“We are very excited for the start of the league, with part of the fans returning to the stadium. This is the best news we have.”
ERIC GARCIA AND MEMPHIS BEING REGISTERED
“Yes Piqué was a very important factor for the registration process. We have to commend the efforts of the captains because they have defended this badge for several years and want to help the club.”
“From Memphis I expect a lot. I know him well from the national team, where he has given a lot of performance, and I ask him the same as there. He is very important.”
KOEMAN ON BARÇA WITHOUT MESSI
“We will certainly miss Messi and that’s normal because we’re talking about the best player in the world. But we still have several other players and a very strong group.”
“We have a great team this season, there is no excuse for tomorrow’s game and I think the team is ready. I think we had a very good pre-season without Messi, so we have to play tomorrow and control and move forward.”
“We don’t have to live in the past. There is a future we have in the young players we have here. I am excited.”
Koeman: “We need to sign a forward if possible.”
PEDRI AND GAVI
“Pedri returned enthusiastically from the Olympics and showed his enthusiasm in the training sessions, and Gavi is also ready for tomorrow.”
KOEMAN ON FRENKIE DE JONG AND ANSU FATI
“Frenkie trained in the last session. He’ll be ready for tomorrow. Ansu is still recovering and improving, but it is tough to know when. If all goes well, we expect him to be with the group in 2/3 weeks.”
“Right now, we are short of players upfront. Ansu, Dembélé, Agüero, Coutinho — they are 4 players of great quality.”
KOEMAN ON ANTONIE GRIEZMANN
“I love Griezmann, he helps us a lot when we don’t have the ball. He is a vital and positive person. He must now take a step forward and take advantage of the position left by Messi.”
This was Ronald Koeman’s comments about the players, the season, Messi and much more. He clearly wants another forward due to injuries to key players. On the bright side, he’s very optimistic about the young players, and the overall shape of the team.
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