Before facing Real Sociedad in tomorrow’s match of Spanish Super Cup, both Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Koeman spoke with the press regarding their recent form, their rival the tournament and much more.
This is what De Jong had to say:
On both his and the team’s recent form
“We are good, I feel good and we have improved in the last matches as a team. I hope that tomorrow we are well too.”
Regarding how he feels at the moment
“I’m fine at the moment, we’ve been improving since the start of the season. We have won the first games of the year and we are doing well.”
On how his roll has changed
“In the last games I’m playing in a slightly different position, more forward, and the manager is asking me to help more in attack. I feel very comfortable.”
Regarding if Barça are the favorite team
“I don’t know if we are favorites, but when you play for Barça you are always one of the favorites. We want to win the Super Cup, but first we have to beat Real Sociedad tomorrow.”
On the threat that Real Sociedad represents
“Real is a very good team, they play well from behind, with good structure and quality players. It’s going to be tough for us, but we must make it to the final.”
Regarding the difficulties of the current season
“There have been many changes since the start of the season and we had no preseason due to the Covid issue. I came directly from playing with the national team. We have to look to ourselves and see how far we go.”
This is what Ronald Koeman had to say:
On the Real Sociedad
“They are a strong team. They like to press and they have a coach with very clear ideas. The previous game was good and the first 45 minutes were fantastic, but the second was different and they reacted and had problems. It will be an interesting game because we both want to play.”
Regarding the importance of the Spanish Super Cup
“All four teams participating in the semifinals have the mentality of winning. Us as well and we want to continue with the image that we have given lately. In all aspects we are growing, It is a good opportunity to show that we are on the right track.”
On Messi being substituted
“There were several players with discomfort the other day, such as Messi, De Jong and Dest. All are available tomorrow, also Araujo, although we will have to see during training. We are convinced to work and improve. It’s a game against a strong team and we can take the next step.”
On the team’s new dynamic
“The team is better, with people who arrive more from the center of the field and at the top we have players with quality to do damage. Defensively we are well and we have gained a margin of confidence in the last games.”
Regarding the possible delay of the elections
“The important thing is to have everything in order, including the President. We are with Covid and we would have to accept it if there are no elections. Health is the most important thing and we have to do our best to get back to living normal.”
On Araujo
“Yesterday he did his individual program so we could find out if he could train today. In principle, he will train this afternoon with the group. We will have to see his reaction with the group and I am confident that he can be there tomorrow.”
On the possibility of facing Real Madrid in the final
“I am not in favor of speaking before a semi-final. First you have to win and then wait and see who is your rival. Now I can’t answer it. First we have to face tomorrow’s game and hopefully we win, but we will have to play a great game.”
This concludes the press conference.
