Koeman talks Aguero, Fati, Gavi, Pedri ahead of Valencia clash | OneFootball

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Barca Universal

·16 October 2021

Koeman talks Aguero, Fati, Gavi, Pedri ahead of Valencia clash

Article image:Koeman talks Aguero, Fati, Gavi, Pedri ahead of Valencia clash

As international football calls curtains, Barcelona fans turn their heads to an incredibly tough schedule which will, in all probability, decide Ronald Koeman’s future. Coming off two consecutive losses – against Benfica and Atletico Madrid -, Barça will host Valencia at the Camp Nou fo La Liga gameweek nine.

Ahead of the clash, Ronald Koeman addressed a room full of journalists as part of the pre-game press conference. He talked about the difficulty of the fixture, to begin with.


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“We expect a tough game because Valencia are always very competitive. We have to improve in defense. We play at home. We have to make the game, create danger and win. It is a very important game.”

The topic of conversation quickly shifted to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who seems to have a complicated relationship with Koeman. The Dutchman gave a rather diplomatic response when asked about him.

“Laporta? I always try to be calm, although it is not easy. The important thing is to put energy into things where you have some control. Train, improve things and prepare a game that we have to win. What counts are the points and the games you win.”

Sergio Aguero seems to have returned to full fitness ahead of the game and scored in a closed-door friendly against Cornella. Koeman hinted at his inclusion in the squad list for the game.

“Kun has improved a lot. He played 25 minutes in the training match the other day. Little by little he will add minutes. We will see if he makes it onto the list. He is a great player quality, key in the area, he will be better soon.”

Another player who is yet to play a single minute this season is Ousmane Dembele. Expected to return next month, Dembele will probably miss the El Clasico and the UCL encounter against Dynamo Kyiv.

“Dembélé? He is working very well to be with the group. He still lacks a bit of time but he already does training things, although he has to improve things to be with the group. I do not know if he will arrive against Madrid.”

The media also asked Koeman about the rumours regarding Dembele’s contract and whether he will be seated in the stands if he does not renew.

“Dembélé in the stands if he doesn’t renew? That is a matter for the club.”

Earlier this week, Pedri renewed his contract with Barcelona till 2026, which has been a source of incredible news. Koeman, too, was delighted with it.

“Pedri? We are happy that he has renewed with us because it is important to have the best players here.”

There have been rumours floating around about how Ansu Fati might get his first start to the season tomorrow, and Koeman addressed those rumours with updates on his health and fitness.

“Fati? We will decide tomorrow if he starts, every day he is better, but he has been out of the pitch for a long time and that will not recover in two weeks. It is certain that he will not be able to play three complete games this week. We have to choose.”

Koeman was on the brink of the sack after the 3-0 defeat against Benfica, but Joan Laporta came through defending him in the press about the same. The Dutchman had a sly answer to a question about his future today.

“I’m used that there is a lot of talk about my future. You don’t have to worry about me. It’s a big club and there are always things with the coach. I’m used to it. The president has defended me, supported me and left things as they are.”

Spain were defeated in the UEFA Nations League final against France last week, but Sergio Busquets was awarded the Player of the Tournament for the same. Koeman showered praise for the veteran in his presser.

“Busquets has played a great Nations League in both games. We know the quality he has and how we have to help him as a team. Barça cannot be compared to the national team when it comes to pressure. It’s different. We have to be compact so to make him comfortable.”

Finally, and expectedly, Koeman also talked about Gavi. The 17-year-old started the Nations League final and made several headlines for his performance against Italy. As the man who gave the midfielder his debut, the former Everton manager sounded proud of the teenager.

“Gavi has shown despite his age that he knows how to play. When you give him an opportunity, as I have done with him and also Luis Enrique, and he takes advantage of it, it is good. Young players are the future, you have to help them with opportunities.”

Source: BarçaTV+

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