After yet another disappointing performance in LaLiga against Granada that resulted in a 1-1 draw, FC Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman, Ronald Araujo, Sergio Busquets and Marc-André ter Stegen gave their opinions on the match.
Here is what the Dutch manager said:
On the match
“Our slow start has made the game very difficult for us. They wasted time from the second minute, they have defended a lot, they left very few spaces. We improved little by little. I want to highlight the energy we have put in to at least gain a point.”
On why the team depended so heavily on crosses
“There was no room to play short. There was only room on the wings and we had to fight for the second play inside the box. We deserved to tie the game. It is true that we have changed our style, but it is what the game demanded.”
Regarding the style of play
“How am I going to play tiki taki if there are no spaces? Look at the squad-list. I don’t have players that are good one-on-one or fast players. People can not be unhappy with the team’s attitude.”
On the lack of ideas
“We play 4-3-3, but we don’t have speed on the wings, because neither Coutinho nor Demir have depth on the wing. They are not Fati and Dembélé, but we had to find another way.”
The hero of the night, Ronald Araujo, also expressed his point of view:
Regarding the match
“It’s a shame. We wanted to win. We played a great game, despite conceding a goal in the first minute. We tried every way we could, too bad the goal came too late. We’re not happy because we wanted to win the game.”
On his goal
“I had three very clear opportunities. I’m happy because I helped the team with the goal. I already had two goals disallowed this season.”
On having Piqué as an attacker
“We hadn’t trained with Piqué at the front, but he is tall and is a good header. Him coming into the match was good.”
Sergio Busquets, captain of the Blaugranas, gave a few words as well:
Regarding Granada’s goal
“It is always more difficult when the other team goes ahead first. The team reacted well. But, scoring the goal so late didn’t leave us a with a lot of time.”
On having fans back at the Camp Nou
“The fans help us a lot, without them it is harder. It’s important for the team and it gives us a boost.”
Finally, Marc-André ter-Stegen, had a few things to say:
Regarding the result
“Bitter, obviously. At least we managed to get the draw. It’s difficult when the rival goes up first in the scoreboard. They hanged back and wasted a lot of time. I think the result is fair.”
On what the team needs
“We need the fans now more than ever. United than ever before. It is not an easy situation for us or them. They can’t stop supporting and we can’t stop playing. We are convinced that with the energy of the younger players, we can lead the team.”
