‘A bit exaggerated’… Ronald Koeman reacts to Barcelona winning against Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are currently flying high, but that does not mean that the team does not have bigger aspirations. In fact, the team continues to aim for a potential treble if possible. As it stands, Barcelona are in a good position in every single major competition.

Their most recent triumph came in the UEFA Champions League, as La Blaugrana managed to convincingly defeat Borussia Dortmund at the Montjuic Stadium. While the second leg is still yet to be played, Barcelona are in a good position to reach the semi-final this season.

However, former Barcelona player and coach Ronald Koeman seems to think that the result was a bit exaggerated in the first leg. As quoted by AS, the Dutch National team coach believes that Hansi Flick’s side are among the favorites, but are not necessarily the most outstanding favorite for the UCL this season:

“Barça are among the favorites, but not the top favorite. PSG and Arsenal are also playing at a very high level. Barcelona’s football is great to watch, but Dortmund are eighth in Germany, and even without being a European giant, they still created chances. The 4–0 result was a bit exaggerated.”

However, he did make sure to praise Hansi Flick for what he has managed to do this season with Barça:

“Flick handles the players well, the atmosphere is great, and he’s experienced — he’s been with big teams. This is a moment to take advantage and win things. The team is in better shape now than it was a few years ago. There’s a plan. Every player works when they don’t have the ball. You can’t defend with just eight; you need all eleven. And that’s what’s happening at Barcelona. Without intensity, you suffer a lot.”

The Dutchman also spoke about the comparisons between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, and claimed that the young winger should not be compared to the Argentinian great and should be allowed to improve even more:

“People have the right to compare players, but let’s hope the player himself doesn’t think that way and focuses on improving every day. Lamine is a great player, but he can still be better. He shouldn’t be compared to Messi; Messi is one of a kind. I don’t think we’ll see a player like him again.”

Koeman also touched on the subject of Frenkie de Jong, a player whose future at the club has been discussed in recent weeks but whose performances this year have left nothing to doubt about his quality:

“Now he’s 100%. If he’s physically fit, there’s no doubt about his game or importance. Yesterday, he wore the captain’s armband. Hopefully, he’ll stay at Barcelona for many more years. I think any team would want to have De Jong. Barcelona should always keep the best players. It’s a club issue more than a player issue — Frenkie wants to stay.”

While Koeman certainly seems to have his opinions to share, Hansi Flick and his team need to stay focused on what they are doing. Noise from the outside can be interesting, but the team must remain focused on the objective at hand on the pitch.