Following a flat performance in El Clásico, FC Barcelona is set to play Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night. Prior to the game, Ronald Koeman talked to the press about, the incident after El Clásico, Ansu, injuries, and a lot more.
Here’s what Koeman had to say:
Rayo Vallecano:
“They are having a great season. I remember the cup game (last season), it was a difficult one. If we continue the rhythm of the last 3 games, we can win the match.”
“There is always a need to win, especially after the defeat the other day. The team is in a good shape.”
The incident after El Clásico:
“I don’t think there is a solution. It is a matter of education, they have no values. At Camp Nou, the fans were amazing, even at 0-2. We should not pay a lot of attention. I am not the only victim, it has happened before, with players and even their families. Although, my case is more exaggerated. The club knows this cannot be repeated and has to find a solution. It should not be given more attention, it is a social problem which happens all over the world.”
Injuries:
“We are concerned about the injuries we have had. The press reported that I was mad at the medical team and there was a meeting. Pedri, Dembele, and Araujo don’t have a set recovery date, because there are things which can happen. We talk to each other every day (medical team), if you talk everyday there is nothing to get mad about because you already know what the situation is like.”
Dembélé:
“The priority is that Osumane renews. If he does not want to renew, as a club we will have to talk about the best way to face this situation, but not yet.”
Resigning:
“It is true that I did not like what happened after El Clásico, I prefer applauses. But once again, people who know the situation of the club, know the positive things I bring. I want to enjoy the atmosphere of Sunday for more games. Whether it be for eight years, then eight years. If it is one year, then one year. If it is three months, then three months.”
Aguero:
“He has been training for two weeks now. He is not yet fit for 90 minutes, but he is ready to start or come on in the second half.”
Enjoyed his time as a coach:
“It depends, on the results and the team I was on. Ancelotti encouraged me, he knows perfectly well about the situation, because he has been in great teams.”
Things he likes doing:
“There are things as a coach, you don’t like doing. I like being with players, preparing for games, analyzing, and making decisions. I loved the game against Madrid, not the result, but the clásico and the atmosphere. It was amazing to see this atmosphere after a year or so. The game was decided by slim details, we created chances but did not have luck on our side. These are the things I like. I understand the the club is in a delicate situation, but there is a future.”
Puig and Demir:
“Demir is a young player, he had minutes at the start of the season. It is not easy. Regarding Puig, he has a lot of competition in midfield and we always opt for the best team.”
Ansu:
“He had some discomfort. It is not from the leg which was operated on, but he is still a doubt for tomorrow. I put him on the list but we will decide tomorrow morning if he will travel with us.”
Memphis:
“I know Memphis well and in the last few games, he has not been decisive. He knows it, Memphis is self-critical and will try to improve things.”
