The Argentine failed to score in the semi-finals with Real Sociedad as he continues to find his fitness after a couple of annoying problems.
Barcelona have to wait for Messi’s last word
Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman hopes Lionel Messi will be ready for the Supercopa de Espana, but admitted that the player’s decision to play in the game would be made. The Argentine failed to score in the semi-finals with Real Sociedad as he continues to find his fitness after a couple of annoying problems. “Yesterday he trained on his own and today, we’ll see how he is to start with,” said Koeman in his pre-match press conference. “He will have the last word. He knows his body. We have to wait and see how Messi’s niggles progress. We hope he plays. If you have the best players, you have a better chance of winning, and even more so if you have the best player in the world.”
The Supercopa final gives Barca the chance to win their first trophy since 2019
“The team is stronger with Leo in it, thanks to his creativity and hard work – something that we sometimes lack. But if he is not there, another player will play, and we will play our game as without him as with him. He has to be 100 per cent. It is not the last game of the season, although the decision is his.” Sunday gives Barcelona the chance to win their first trophy since 2019 as they take on Athletic in the Supercopa final. “It’s important because it’s a final and a trophy,” Koeman said on the match. “To show that we are on our way, it is important to win things. We know it’s not the most important trophy we play for, but it’s a trophy. Winning lets, you say you’re on the right track. One game isn’t as decisive, but it gives you confidence and helps show that you’ve improved.”
Athletic Club are effective and they deserved to pass
“We can show that we are fighting. We are very focused. Our opponents will be at their best. There is no need to motivate the players for the final. We all need to be relaxed and confident and continue our plan. There are so many reasons to win that you don’t need motivation. We shouldn’t put pressure on players anymore. When they knocked out La Real on Wednesday, Barcelona may have expected to play Real Madrid in this final and not Athletic Club. The elimination of Real Madrid is proof that anything is possible,” added Koeman. “If you fight, football is like that. You can’t be comfortable because your opponent makes your life difficult. Athletic were effective, and they deserved to pass.” During his press conference, the Barcelona boss also commented on a possible move in the transfer window’s final two weeks.
“If we are talking about leaving young players, it will be to get minutes and improve,” added Koeman. “There is one more thing with Neto. His agent asked the club to leave, and we said no. He is an important goalkeeper for us, and we want all our positions to be covered.” The change in the Barcelona presidential election date to March leaves no room for any incomings in the January transfer window, including Eric Garcia. “I heard that I am annoyed, unhappy and worried,” continued Koeman. “And I have to say that I’m fine, happy. I know the financial difficulties of the club very well. And if you can’t sign players, you can’t. We will continue with what we have got.”