On Sunday evening, Barcelona will host Levante for the Catalan’s 11th league game of the season. In his pre pre-match press conference, Ronald Koeman spoke about the Madrid derby, and also the idea of the team needing a psychologist.
Levante
“It’s a team that will come to press us. We have to make sure we circulate the ball properly. It’s an important week with three games at home. We have to win all three.”
Individual errors
“We have to improve in defense, but it is not something that haunts me. At Juventus we entered the game badly. We allowed them to dominate. After we conceded the 2-0, we played a good game. In the Champions League we got 15 points out of 18. In La Liga details are much more important.”
Riqui Puig
“He has done well. The players who perform the best will be in the starting 11. We’ll see what happens tomorrow”
Madrid derby
“First we have to win ourselves. If we win, it’s better for us that Atletico lose. But we shouldn’t pay too much attention to other games.”
Lack of concentration or desire
“We lack things , because the results are not at the level they need to be. It’s a matter of concentration. We’re the team with the most chances created, but we can’t seem to finish them.”
“The team is inconsistent. We have to improve details and I am convinced that if we do, we will win the games. ”
Schedule
“I don’t think there’s games that’s easier than others, it depends on what we do. If we’re in form, very few teams can beat us.”
Two losses in a row
“I am fine, because I’m comfortable. I am not happy with our form in the league. We’ll give our best until the new president is elected. If the results don’t come, the coach will be responsible.”
Riqui Puig
“I don’t like to talk about individuals. A coach analyzes his team and what each player can offer, and then make a decision on who plays. We have 25 players and if you don’t have minutes it’s for a reason.”
Being honest with the players
“I try to respect my players and support them, but we are at a level where if there are mistakes, it must be said with respect. I don’t shoot anyone. If I say something about a player (in the media), I have already spoken with him face to face. I try to respect everyone. The other day an article was written about the players being unhappy with the 4-2-3-1. It’s not true. I talk to the players every day and they haven’t told me anything about the system or the press conferences.”
Not being able to win from a losing position
“When we concede the first goal, teams usually park the bus and makes it even more complicated for us. In have created chances in every game.”
Does the team need a psychologist?
“This team has enough personality and experience. Good players always take a step forward. Tomorrow i hope we see a team with enthusiasm.”
“I think the players believe in me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to work. We are trying to improve things. There is enough time to turn things around, but we cannot hide.”
What do you miss in the dressing room?
We are in a difficult time at the club, not only because of the sporting issue. There are many more things. We want to be the best. I see that the squad is eager and wants to improve. You cannot change the situation in two days. You have to work (over time) to improve.”
“We have to improve concentration and defend with more intensity. I’m not talking about the system. We conceded eleven goals and they’re mostly penalties and individual errors. We’re the team that has created the most opportunities in the league. Ansu and Dembélé being injured makes it complicated. We have to find out what’s the best for these players.
Message to the fans
“It’s hard for the fans to understand the losses, because they’re gotten used to winning titles. It’s a difficult season because we also have economic issues. It’s a time of transition and we have to be patient. Hopefully we can see a winning team in February”.
