After an embarrassing 4-1 loss against the Parisian team in the round of 16, Ronald Koeman, Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong spoke with the press regarding their performance, what this implies for them and their chances of a comeback.
The Dutch manager was naturally both disappointed and angry with his side after such a poor presentation. This is what he had to say:
On the match:
“They have been superior, they have shown in the second half that they have a more complete team than us. We knew what could happen to us because we played against a great team. A great team that is physically ahead of us.”
Regarding if Barça still have options of going through to the next round:
“I could lie, but with a 1-4 at home it is very difficult, we have very little options.”
On how he feels after such a unfavorable result:
“I’m going home sad, disappointed, especially because of the difference in the second half. I have said several times that we lack things, for the high level that is required in the Champions League, we must be realistic, we are changing things in the team, with young players and important injuries. You have to analyze what has happened and improve things.”
Regarding their lack of competitiveness:
“I think the first half was a more even game than in the second. With 1-0 we had a clear one with Ousmane and they tied us quickly. In the second part, they surpassed us in many aspects. They have proven to be more complete, more physical and very effective.”
Antoine Griezmann was far from his best version tonight and did not add much to the team’s attack. He expressed the following:
On the match:
“They were superior, we had opportunities but we did not play our best game. It is not the image we want to give. We needed to play a near perfect match and we haven’t. It’s harsh to concede four goals at home.”
On the second leg:
“We will go to Paris to try to go through to the next stage, we know that it is complicated but we will not go just to visit.”
Finally, Frenkie De Jong also spoke with the press after the defeat, this is what he had to say:
On their performance:
“I think that at the start we were quite good, but then, and especially in the second half, they were superior.”
Regarding their chances of making a comeback:
“I don’t know, we still have the second leg, but it’s going to be very difficult. We’ll try. The Champions League is going to be very difficult, we have to come back in the Cup and then look towards the Liga. We have to look for a solution, there is always a solution.”
