Ronald Koeman spoke to the press today ahead of the away Copa del Rey game against Cornellà. He talked about Collado, Messi’s suspension and the copa game.
ON CORNELLÀ –
“We know that in cup games there are always surprises. Segunda B teams who play on artificial grass pitches, on which we are not used to playing makes it a difficult game for us. We have to face it seriously and it will depend on the mentality of the team.”
ON THE SUSPENSION OF MESSI –
“The club has told me that they do not agree on it and we will see. There are things that can be defended and it is a matter for the club, hopefully they will reduce the sanction, otherwise we will play two games without Messi.”
ABOUT THE TEAM –
“We were screwed, it’s normal, especially after the game and the day after. It has to be that way because we had the Super Cup final closed, but they tied us at the last minute. There isn’t much time to be looking down, we’re on the right path and we have to move on and prepare for tomorrow’s game. There are players with some discomfort but it is normal after two 120-minute games. We are going to make changes, you will see tomorrow.”
ABOUT MESSI AND PSG –
“I think you can also say what you want, if they ask me if I have an interest in Neymar and Mbappé, I will say yes. I cannot comment on them because I do not know what will happen in the future” .
ON THE RELIABILITY OF THE TEAM –
“It depends on the opponent as well. In the two Super Cup games the opponents have been physically well. There are parts of the game where we have not created much. We have made mistakes and there is talk of the set piece but the last foul of 2- 2, we did not squeeze Williams and then there was a foul. We have to be more on top. We are talking about that with our defenses, and in set pieces to be more focused. They are games that are decided by details. We have to improve in being ready at all times.”
ABOUT DEST –
“He won’t be there tomorrow due to discomfort. Sergi Roberto is training individually and at the beginning of the next week he may start training with the group depending on his condition. We will decide when he can return. He is working hard and there is little left.”
ABOUT ÁLEX COLLADO –
“We know that he is a player for the future, he is a forward who can play on the wings and has the quality to go up. He has been out due to an injury but has been very good in the last few games and he may enter the list tomorrow. We always have eyes on the B team to try and change things and make way for players who we believe can be the future.”
ABOUT TRINCAO –
“Francisco has come from Braga and he is young, he is 20 years old, and taking a step at a club like Barça is a giant step. You don’t have to go too fast, the player is working very well and is trying to get his minutes and his matches. He is on a good path, he has a lot of competition and we count on him a lot for the future of this club.”
ON SIGNINGS IN JANUARY –
“I don’t know anything about this matter. I know there is a meeting this afternoon and we will wait and see.”
ABOUT PJANIC –
“Lately he has played little because we have played differently in the middle of the field and by games and performance we have had Frenkie, Busquets and Pedri. It is a complicated situation but there is always competition in the big teams. In the end, the best players play.”
ABOUT MESSI –
“He has trained without problems this morning and it means that he has recovered well from the last game and will be good to play when he has to play after his suspension.”
ON THE COPA DEL REY –
“It’s nice if a Second B team has to play on their field. The only problem is if it is a grass that is not normally played. Artificial grass for me today is not football. I understand that they have the advantage of playing at home, I like it, but it depends on the state of the field and the light. ”
ABOUT ERIC GARCIA –
“I have always said that I am not the one who has a command on economic decisions for a signing. If the club thinks it is not possible, then it is not possible and we will continue with what we have.”
ON ARAUJO OR RIQUI PUIG –
“Surely the young people of our squad and one or two players from B are more used to playing on this type of terrain. The older ones, I don’t know how long has it been since they have played on an artificial field and it is always difficult because football is different on such pitches, you have to prepare and it is no excuse for not playing well. We have to play and we have to comply.”
