Here’s the post match reactions after Barcelona’s brilliant performance away against Dynamo Kyiv, which ended in a 4-0 victory.
Koeman was very impressed with the performance and said that “We saw a team with hunger. Some important players have been allowed to rest, and young players have been allowed to play. The goal was to qualify (for the Round of 16) and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
Koeman then stated the importance of resting players when the team is playing so many games in a short amount of time. “It’s time to rest some players who have played an incredible number of games. We have 9 more games this year and sometimes you have to rest. There are always opportunities for players who have played little. It’s important that we get to see what these players can do.”
On Griezmann and Óscar Mingueza
The Barcelona coach was also asked about Antoine Griezmann, who has struggled in front of goal in recent weeks. He reaffirmed that he’s seeing him happy. “He likes to work and give his best. It’s a pity that he wasn’t able to score more goals. He’s had his chances. This goal will give him confidence. I subbed him on because of a physical issue (with Coutinho).”
Óscar Mingueza crowned his first ever game for Barcelona by providing the assist for Martin Braithwaite’s 2-0 goal. Koeman was impressed by the 21-year old. “He is a young boy, he has been at Barça for many years. He has to improve like any young player, but he made a good impression.”
Is this a more enthusiastic Barça?
Koeman: “It was good that we could give some players rest. The performance was good. The hunger to press was good. We have improved things. We know that all of our players have quality on the ball, but quality without the ball is very important.”
Óscar Mingueza played his first ever professional game for the club tonight and was asked about the experience by Barça TV:
“I am very, very happy after so many years and after all that I have suffered, to be able to play here. It’s a dream to play in the Champions League and for the best team in the world”
“I had been tinkering all week about whether i was going to play or not. When i found out, i was very happy.”
“I hope it is the beginning of something great. I played a good game, we conceded no goals, and the team was very alert when we lost the ball (in order to regain it). With the way we moved the ball, we made them tired. We played a good game with and without the ball.”
Barça TV also got Sergiño Dest to say a few words after he scored his first goal for the club.
“I’m very happy with my first goal, but mostly happy because we all played very well. I hope there are many more (goals) to come.”
Konrad de la Fuente was also very happy with being given minutes
“It’s an incredible feeling to be able to play in a game like this, and hopefully more opportunities will come. I have worked hard to enjoy this. It’s an incredible moment for me. I think of my parents and my coaches (who have helped me).”
Carles Aleñá has spent most of the season on the bench but was happy to finally get some game time
“The most important thing was the victory” He enjoyed the fact that he was “feeling like a footballer again.” The midfielder emphasised the good performance of the team against an opponent that was harder to beat than it looked. “It was a difficult game at a difficult stadium to come to. It was not an easy match and I think we were effective. The three points are very important for everyone”.
Carles Aleñá was one of the standout players on the night and said he thought he took the opportunity well and hopes that more opportunities will come, as he’s feeling better and better in training.
