BARCELONA – Ronald Koeman suddenly interrupted his press conference ahead of the Barcelona game in Seville next Friday, with a handkerchief against his nose that was bleeding profusely. It is the second time that the Dutch coach has a nosebleed in the press room, although the club downplays the importance and ensures that he is in good shape.
Just nine questions in a scarce ten minutes in which Koeman gave him time to distance himself from an election in which he said he would not vote to “wait for the new president”, rejecting that Barça is playing the season in these two consecutive games against Seville. , praise Ronald Araújo and divide the team’s responsibilities between veterans and youth.
“Sevilla may have an advantage because they rested this week and we don’t, but we are prepared for the game,” said Koeman, referring to Saturday’s game, which separated him from the next cup game, “because they are two different games. will go out to win both, knowing of course that we have to get back in the cup, but think about this in the league first, to increase the pressure on the top “.
“Play the season? I disagree. We are not the only ones playing important games. The pressure is on all teams, not just us, because now the top players are playing among them and we have to be vigilant”, concluded the Barça coach. when questioned about the meaning of these encounters, realizing that he is used to this pressure around him.
“As a Barcelona coach, there is a lot of pressure, we know. If you lose, the coach is the culprit and I assume because I’ve been doing this for many years and I try to do my best without thinking about losing he revealed. , in his best mind: “I am optimistic and think about winning tomorrow, not losing.”
Days after focusing on the veterans, this time Koeman preferred to ‘divide responsibilities’ when talking about who should bear the weight of the team, realizing that’ from the start the veterans have tried to take command, but they need help from others, And in this case he gave a clear example: “Messi has 18 goals and the other forwards together have that number … Here we need not only the best or us veterans. ask, but everyone. The responsibility is for everyone, not just the elderly. They have to help the young, but the responsibility lies with the whole team. “
On Araújo’s return, he didn’t give much clues, stating that the Uruguayan has options to play “like everyone else on the list” and agreeing that he “is having a very good season and showing his quality. improve his game with the ball. but it gives us many things in defense “.
And regarding the elections, which are due to take place in nine days, Koeman announced that “I will not vote because I am not the one to vote” and ruled that it is his job “to wait for the partners to decide.” day out thinking their option is the best for the club and from the election it will be when I join, not before ”.