Ronald Koeman sat down with the press before tomorrow’s league fixture against Getafe. He talked to the media about the importance of tomorrow’s game, the Super League, winning the Cup amid other things.
This is what he had to say :
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TOMORROW’S GAME :
“We know we have eight games to go and we are going game by game. We have enjoyed winning the Cup, and also the way we have achieved it. We have to focus on LaLiga and we have to play our game. We have to win the game.”
ON THE SUPER LEAGUE :
“I spoke with the president yesterday and he explained the club’s position to me. There has been so much movement that it is best not to give an opinion. Nobody knows what can happen and we have to wait. I want the best for the club. I’m not going to answer any more about the Super League.”
ON WHETHER HE CONSIDERS IT NORMAL TO BE THE SPOKESPERSON OF THE CLUB :
“I am not the spokesperson, it is the president. My job is to prepare for the game. There is so much movement with this issue that we have to wait for how this issue ends. It is surprising. We want the best for the club. If there is someone who should speak about this, it is clearly the president.”
ON WHETHER THEY ASKED HIM ABOUT THE SUPER LEAGUE :
“The president called me yesterday and explained the matter to me. I don’t know if they asked the players. I’m not interested, we’ll play a game tomorrow.”
ON WHETHER HE THINKS THE TEAM IS STRONGER AFTER THE CUP VICTORY:
“The image of the team the other day in the final was very good, with attitude and level of play. It is not just a title. We have been improving things for a while and I think many people are happy. We are working well, but in a club, it depends on the results. What we are doing is something great.”
ON WHETHER THE PLAYERS WILL BECOME RELAXED NOW :
“I don’t think so, because they are professionals. If you are a Barça player you always want more. There may be some tranquility, but not relaxation or less energy. You have to go game by game and we know that it’s complicated.”
ON THE PLAYERS BEING DISTRACTED BY THE SUPER LEAGUE :
“I don’t agree. The players want to win titles, I have no doubts about my players. We will be fine in tomorrow’s game.”
ON INCLUDING THREE GOALKEEPERS IN THE SQUAD OF THE CUP FINAL :
“They have been decisions that I do not like either. The press has surprised me about the three goalkeepers because we have done it in all the Copa del Rey qualifiers. For example, if Ter Stegen is injured in the warm-up, I have to put in the second goalkeeper and if he gets a red card later I can’t put another goalkeeper if I have only two goalkeepers. It is a very high risk. Besides the three goalkeepers, I have three players to get in. I didn’t want to risk putting a player in goal.”
ON THE POSSIBLE SIGNING OF DEPAY :
“I am not talking about signings or players we want to sign or players who will not continue next year. This is not the time to talk about players who are not there.”
ON THE PRESSURE TO WIN LALIGA :
“The pressure always exists at Barça. You have to fight to win titles. We were at a huge distance from the top spot and now is the time to show that we can win the league.”
ON HOW THE TEAM IS DOING AFTER WINNING THE CUP :
“The team has returned with a lot of courage. They have been able to rest for two days and physically the team is very strong. That is why we have won many games. It is not necessary to train a lot at the moment, the team’s physical data is impressive. We know we have a difficult schedule, but if we achieve our level we can aspire to win many things.”
ON HIS OPINION OF THE SUPER LEAGUE :
“I don’t want to talk much about this issue. I agree with Piqué’s tweet.”
ON PIQUE’S PHYSICAL CONDITION :
“Gerard was quite tired after the final, something which is normal after being out. He needs rhythm. He was phenomenal in the game. We will talk tomorrow to see if he will start. In the last training session, we will decide the team.”
ON WHAT HE THINKS OF PLAYING IN A TOURNAMENT WITH NO RELEGATION :
“It is normal for club presidents to think about the future. You don’t have to change football in many things.”
ON WHAT IS THE SOLUTION FOR THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL :
“The number of matches is incredible. They have had to play in many competitions. Everyone is talking about the Super League, but UEFA is not paying attention to the players about the number of matches. The only thing that matters to them is money. In LaLiga the same, tomorrow we will play at 10.00 pm. You have to protect the players. “
