Ronald Koeman spoke at the pre-match conference before Barcelona host Getafe tomorrow evening.
Prior to the home fixture against Getafe, Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman spoke about the match, Champions League draw, and player situations at the club. Here’s the rundown of the press conference:
On facing Getafe
“The image that Getafe has put out this season has not been positive. They have lost their matches. But, it is a competitive team that has its weapons. We will have to be very focused from the beginning to win the game.”
On the lack of signings at Barcelona
“I understand but each person wants the best for the club. It is frustrating but you have to be realistic. Economically, the club cannot compete with PSG, City or United. It is like that currently and you have to accept it.”
“You have to work to improve, but I have always said that you have to be realistic with the situation of the team. You have to know that we are changing things with a young squad. We have a good team with the likes of Pedri.”
On Umtiti and his situation
“It is not a good practice to take names. The club knows who I want to work with, but I always respect the players who have a contract. There is competition in positions, but there are players who have it very complicated. It is not good for them or for us. If we get everyone back, we will have 30 players.”
On the club’s next number 10
“I don’t know who will be wearing the number ’10’. It’s the club’s decision.”
On the Champions League draw
“I don’t care to play last at home or away. It’s a strong group. It’s an attractive group. I was at Benfica for a year and it’s nice to face them. We already know about Dinamo Kiev, we faced each other last year. What counts is tomorrow’s game for the time being.”
On Barcelona’s transition
“I’m not in favor of thinking about not winning things. I think we are in a club that always has to show a winning mentality. You have to be realistic with the moment of the club, we cannot fight for the best players in the world. We know that we lack the best in the world, but we have to improve as a team. We aspire to the maximum, but you have to know and wait how we are doing in LaLiga.”
On Araujo’s national team call-up
“There are difficulties because there is this championship in South America. It is crazy to play on other dates, knowing the distances that the players have to travel. It is not in the interest of the clubs, which pay the players. You have to form a block with all the clubs in Spain and they have to talk about this issue.”
On Kylian Mbappe’s potential transfer to Real Madrid:
“It doesn’t worry me that Madrid has the money to sign him. He’s one of the best in the world and I also want to have him in my team. They all want to improve their squad, if you can count on these players then perfect.”
On Ansu Fati’s recovery
“Make no mistakes based on the images. He still has a long way to go to compete at his maximum abilities. He has been off the pitch for seven or eight months and I don’t want to fixate on a date. Forget about the Sevilla game. We are not going to take a risk with Ansu.”
On Barcelona’s track record at the Camp Nou
“We have dropped quite a few points that seemed easy, but there is no easy game in this league. You have to be strong at home and give people joy. The first game was good and we want to continue in this line.”
On Ilaix Moriba
“I don’t like to talk more about Ilaix. I have given my opinion and it is up to the player, his representatives, and the club. Interested clubs have to pay the money that our club asks for.”
On Pjanic’s situation
“There are only a few days to go before we can give out to players who want to play for other teams. Pjanic is one of these players. His attitude is very good and that’s why he enters the list. I find it disrespectful to leave him out and summon only 20.”
On current transfer prices
“For me these figures are absurd. Everyone has problems, it is crazy to pay so much money for a player, as the world is.”
On Alex Collado
“There is no difference. Collado knows his situation perfectly, there is a lot of competition for him and he has to find something to play.”
