Ronald Koeman knows that two points from the last four league matches are not good enough at FC Barcelona, but the Dutch trainer nevertheless has the feeling that there is optimism in Catalonia about his first months at the club.
“I get a lot of comments from people who are happy with FC Barcelona,” Koeman said on Tuesday at his press conference for the Champions League game with Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday evening. “Of course not because of the recent results in La Liga. But we do create the most opportunities every game and give young players a chance.”
‘Barça’ is only twelfth in the Spanish league with eight points from six games. The top club lost points in recent weeks against successively Sevilla (1-1), Getafe (1-0 loss), Real Madrid (1-3 loss) and Alavés (1-1).
“I understand that this will lead to criticism, that is normal,” said Koeman. “I accept it and keep working on improving the squad and winning more games. I feel very comfortable with this great club, but there is never a quiet day at Barcelona, there is always something happening.”
Last week, this was mainly due to the resignation of the controversial chairman Josep Maria Bartomeu and the entire board, which meant that Koeman had to answer many questions about his own future. In recent days, an interview by Quique Setién has taken place The country for unrest. Koeman’s predecessor said, among other things, that star player Lionel Messi is “difficult to coach”.
Koeman emphasizes that he has no problems with his captain. “I have no trouble coaching ‘Leo’. I talk to him every week about things that are going on on the field and in the locker room. So I disagree with Setien, but I respect his opinion.”
Corona problems at Dynamo Kiev
In the Champions League, Barcelona is performing well for the time being. The five-time winner of the most important European club competition won in his first matches in group G against Ferencváros (5-1) and Juventus (0-2).
Wednesday night’s match against Dynamo Kyiv at Camp Nou is currently overshadowed by corona problems. The Ukrainians are missing as many as nine players due to positive tests, while another four footballers are missing due to other injuries and suspensions.
“We know Dynamo has problems, that will of course affect the game,” said Koeman. “But we still have to respect their team. Shakhtar Donetsk missed a lot of players (seven, ed.) Two weeks ago by corona and won 2-3 against Real Madrid.”
FC Barcelona-Dynamo Kiev starts on Wednesday at 9 p.m. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen may be able to make his comeback after knee surgery.
View the program and the standings in the Champions League
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