Still, ahead of the second meeting with Juventus, Ronald Koeman made it clear that he is not alone for theatrics and he told his players how angry he was in the wake of the result of the weekend.
Barca’s goal is to win and win well against Juventus
Barcelona’s defeat to Cadiz in LaLiga on Saturday was the latest disappointment of the season. Still, ahead of the second meeting with Juventus, Ronald Koeman made it clear that he is not alone for theatrics and he told his players how angry he was in the wake of the result of the weekend. Succession to the knockout phase is already secured for Barca, but they will be looking to confirm the top spot in the group by avoiding defeat to Juventus. “Team’s goal is to try and win and win well, and we want to be the top of our group in the UEFA Champions League,” Koeman admitted. “I don’t act if I lose, then I’m angry, and that is what I told the players in yesterday’s meeting. Being at Barcelona means you cannot accept the goals that we have missed in several matches this season.”
Koeman want to have communication will Messi
Fresh lousy news for Barcelona came in the form of another knee injury for Ousmane Dembele, with the French winger’s Camp Nou career looking ill-fated. “It’s a pity to lose another player to injury,” he added. “He noticed something in the second half, but he didn’t think it was too much of a problem. It’s a step backwards because Dembele has improved physically. Everyone knows that he has a past with injuries, but he wants to recover. And this is another reason why I keep complaining about the match schedules, I don’t understand it”. While rumours continue to circulate about the future of Lionel Messi after the 2020/21 season, the coach is clear that communication with the Argentine is critical. “I want to have communication with Leo about things in the game, about things that happen in matches, this is the same with any coach and captain,” he confirmed.
“As a coach, I am always looking for maximum performance from every player, Messi is essential in our attacks; a lot of moves start at his feet. I don’t think he made mistakes, and yes, I agree with him that he is blamed for many things.”