The coach spoke to the press on Saturday ahead of Barcelona’s visit to Anoeta to face Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Joan Laporta believes in Koeman
Ronald Koeman said that the new Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, told him that he believed in him. The coach spoke to the press on Saturday ahead of Barcelona’s visit to Anoeta to face Real Sociedad on Sunday. “It is important that Laporta singled out the work done this season,” Koeman told reporters. “He told me that he believed in me. And that’s important, but that could change if there are no results.” It starts with San Sebastian’s result on Sunday, and Koeman knows it won’t be an easy match. “It is the third game against them; they are a strong team, one of the best in the Liga,” said Koeman, whose side beat the Txuri-Urdin in LaLiga in December and then on penalties in the Supercopa de Espana in January,” he said.
Barcelona are expecting a strong La Real
“They love to play, build up and put pressure on the opposition. They are interesting matches in many ways, and it will be tough.” Like Barcelona, La Real also have a Copa del Rey final that they look forward to in April as they play the 2019/20 final against Athletic Bilbao on April 3, but Koeman does not believe this will affect Sunday’s match. “I don’t think it will affect Sunday’s game,” Koeman said. “After tomorrow, there is a break, and they have time to prepare for the final against Athletic. We are expecting a strong opponent.” For his part, Koeman has no intention of resting any players, although Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong were booking away from suspension. “Knowing that they are a card away from the suspension is what it is,” Koeman said.
“I don’t reserve anyone, and if they come out, I will play others. They are outstanding, Leo can make a difference, but Sunday’s game is important.” Talking about this importance, the Dutchman stressed that every game is essential, as the Blaugrana looks to close the gap on Atletico Madrid. “I don’t believe Sunday is the most decisive game,” Koeman said. “We’re chasing first place, and every game we don’t win will cost us. We have to show up and be at our level, with and without the ball.”