It’s been a difficult period for the club, but Koeman isn’t worried about his job despite his side failing to convince on the pitch.
Barca need to get some players back
Ronald Koeman has spoken to the media ahead of Barcelona’s LaLiga Santander match against Granada as his side look to get back to winning ways after a heavy defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. It’s been a difficult period for the club, but Koeman isn’t worried about his job despite his side failing to convince on the pitch. “I’m only thinking about the match and the team,” he said. “The rest is out of my hands. I’m relaxed and confident about winnings matches. We need to get some players back, so we have more guys to choose from, but I know that we have to win. The results are what count. I’m not worried about my future. The club and the president will make the decisions”. Injuries have meant Barcelona are short for options in the left-back position, but Koeman isn’t concerned.
Koeman prefers a natural left-back
“We have Alejandro Balde, who played well the other day with quality and energy,” he assured the fans. “We also have Sergino Dest and Oscar Mingueza, but I prefer a natural left-back. Balde is young and has to learn, but I’m not scared to start him.” He was also asked about how the fans’ perceive what is going on at the club. “I don’t know what they’re thinking,” said the Dutchman. “There will be realists, opportunists and some who are unhappy with the current situation.” Koeman also spoke of how different systems are necessary for other matches. “There are different systems to win games, and many teams vary theirs,” he told the press.
“It depends on the players. The basic system is a 4-3-3, but it depends on the number of forwards that you have or the defenders available. If we played more open against Bayern, it would have been a heavier defeat.”
Barcelona have three matches this week, but their coach is confident they can come through it. “We’re capable of winning every match,” he affirmed. “We do have to prepare well, though, and defend well.” There will be times in the season when Koeman may have to bring some younger players into the first team, but he has confidence in them. “I’m not scared at all to start young players, but playing six of them at this moment isn’t good,” he said. “They will participate, though, and get their minutes. It’s difficult to say when they’ll play more. You need to work with them. “If you’re talking about a player like Pedri, he has to start. It all depends on a lot of things.” The Dutch legend insisted his players know things will improve. “The players are realists,” he said.