Frenkie de Jong scored the game’s only goal as the Catalans crossed within ten points of LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid.
If Barcelona would win away games than they can fight for the title
Ronald Koeman left El Alcoraz in an upbeat mood after his Barcelona side came down with all three points against Huesca on Sunday night. Frenkie de Jong scored the game’s only goal as the Catalans crossed within ten points of LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid. “This month is significant to our aspirations because we have a lot of games away from home and if we win them I think we can fight,” Koeman said on Barcelona’s title chances. “We saw this weekend that it is not easy to win away from home. If the team above us is running badly, the gap may be closed, but it depends on whether we win.” There were a few eyebrows raised when Antoine Griezmann was left out of the starting 11 against Huesca. The Frenchman did not come out until the 80th minute, as Martin Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele played instead.
Ronald Koeman needs every player
“I trust every player in our squad, but if we choose three central midfielders, there is room for three forwards,” explained Koeman. “With Leo, we went after someone who is behind, like Dembele, and we have to choose between Martin or Antoine upfront. Martin did well. He’s the No.9 we need in these games, but leaving Griezmann on the bench doesn’t mean anything. We have a lot of games, and we need every player. Dembele is the player we need because we miss Ansu Fati, a striker who can play out wide. He stands behind the opposition, and he is a good one on one. It is always important to have one who stands behind, to take advantage of the quality of Leo and the midfielders.” Barcelona had many chances to extend their lead, but only managed a single goal against Huesca.
“We can improve on our final ball by improving the position inside the box,” added Koeman. “I’m happy with Frenkie’s goal because we want our midfielders to get into the opposition box. We hope to be more clinical because you win games easier like that.”