After winning the friendly vs Girona, Ronald Koeman, Neto, Ronald Araujo, and Konrad de la Fuente gave post-match interviews, where they highlighted key moments in the match as well as their sensations about the season so far.
Ronald Koeman’s era at Barça has had an excellent start, with a second convincing win in pre-season. The Dutchman’s team beat Girona 3-1 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with two goals from Messi and one from Coutinho for the Blaugrana while Manu Sainz got Girona’s only goal.
Here is what Koeman had to say after the game:
On the improvement of the team: “We played against a better team than Nástic, and we had a better friendly. We have had more training sessions and some players played sixty minutes.”
On the puzzle of the attack: “I’m looking for the best possible attack. They can occupy different positions in attack and they can interchange, play on the right, up front…There are many options and we have to take advantage of them.”
On the physical state of the team: “We are well physically. The players have played sixty minutes and this Saturday they will play 90 minutes. They are a bit tired. We have to give gas (i.e. recharge) until next week and prepare physically and mentally.”
On the youngsters: “We know that we have very good young players. The first thing is to train at a high level and then play them in the friendlies. If I have to highlight a young player, I highlight Konrad, I’m happy with him, but we also have Riqui, Pedri…We have a great future ahead of us.”
On Suárez: “If Suárez ends up staying, he will be one more in the squad. I have spoken with him this morning, we don’t know yet if he is going or staying.”
On Coutinho: “Philippe is working very well, I think he has a lot of courage, he is training and playing well, he has great quality and it must be taken into account. Each player needs support and help from the coach.”
Here is what Neto had to say:
On the improvement of the team: “We have been able to see how the intensity and level of the game has increased, and the players are still improving. Today they have been able to accumulate more minutes for the most important players. We come from ten or twelve days of very hard work and this helps us in the games. I see a very positive evolution, not only in the games but in training as well.”
On Koeman: “Each coach has his philosophy and presents his tactical adjustments, and the players are here to adapt. The most important thing is that we maintain the rhythm and intensity.”
About his role: “I always work hard to have opportunities and as in every job, when someone new comes, everyone wants to stand out and with me it is no different.”
Here is what Ronald Araujo had to say:
On playing the full game: “I am very happy to have this opportunity and to be getting minutes. I have worked hard to be here.”
On Koeman’s tactical changes: “We are working hard to get the ball out, with the double pivot, and with the forwards moving a lot to create spaces. Koeman tells us to be calm and that the spaces will eventually arrive.”
On the squad’s work in training: “We are doing things very well with the trainers on a physical level and I am very happy to have been able to endure the 90 minutes without suffering any injury.”
Lastly, here is what Konrad de la Fuente had to say:
“I am very happy to play with the first team. We are working very hard to be prepared for the new season.”
