Koeman talks Coutinho, Pedri, Ilaix, and the number 10 jersey

Barcelona takes on Athletic Bilbao in the second league game of the season. The trip to San Mames has historically proven to be a difficult one for the Catalans. However, the resounding 4-2 victory over Real Sociedad is still fresh in players minds, and the positive approach could well help the side make it two out of two.

Ronald Koeman addressed the press leading into the difficult game and gave insights into multiple player’s situations amongst other topics.

The Dutchman started the press conference by talking about Matchday 1’s Man of the Match, Martin Braithwaite:

“We know the situation of the club, if there is interest in him, we listen. He showed that he is important to the team. I love working with him. Disciplined, he accepts his role. For me, I think that has to stay.”

He then spoke about Pedri, the 18-year-old midfielder who signed for the club on the same day last year. The young star was involved not only in the Euros but also in the Olympic games for his National side. On his lack of rest, Koeman commented:

“We have decided that he will play tomorrow, but from then on he will have two weeks of vacation. I have spoken with Luis Enrique, we give Pedri two weeks because he needs it. He needs a break of at least two weeks.”

The manager then ventured over the topic of the vacant Number 10 jersey which has been linked to players like Sergio Aguero and Phillipe Coutinho.

“The number 10 jersey? I think this is the club’s decision, not mine.”

Next, Koeman gave his thoughts on Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic’s futures saying, “We know we have plenty of players. Pjanić and Umtiti have a difficult time having minutes, they are in a difficult situation.”

The former Netherlands manager then talked about Phillipe Coutinho’s exclusion from the squad, saying that he counts on the Brazilian this season.

“He’s not on the list because he needs one more week of training. Yes, I count on him because he is a great player and he can be important. As I said last year, I really count on Coutinho.”

The coach then gave his two cents on Gerard Pique’s minor injury and his position ahead of the game at San Mames:

“I was surprised because he had some minor annoyances but it is nothing. He has trained normally and is available.”

Next in line for the Barcelona manager was a question on Marc Andre ter Stegen’s fitness and possible return. He said, “He has recovered well, but he has to train more and we’ll see when he’s ready to play.”

The former Valencia coach then outlined his thoughts on Ilaix Moriba and advised the youngster not to look for money at such a tender age.

“I spoke with Ilaix Moriba 2 or 3 weeks ago, more as a person than as a coach. His situation is horrible because he’s only 18 years old, he is the future of the club and I know that the club loves him. My advice is that money is not the most important thing. The truth is that I’m disappointed in him (Moriba) and his agents. I believe more in football than in money.”

Koeman then proceeded to talk about players from the B team and the possibility of seeing more players promoted this season.

“I will always count on the youngsters. They train with us and they have to play games, either with us or with B because they need to compete. I see a lot of future in the youngsters and if we can we will give them opportunities.”

The Dutchman then said it was a pleasure for him to work at Barcelona, and talked about the pressure his job demands. He said, “It’s a pleasure to work at Barça. I know the pressure that exists in this club but I am delighted.”

The coach then talked about La Masia graduate Nico and said, “Nico, like the rest of the youngsters, is the future of the club.”

He then confirmed Pedri’s absence for the third league game saying, “Pedri will not play against Getafe because he will be on his two-week vacation.”

The press conference ended with Koeman’s comments on the centre-back situation, a department that Barcelona found depleted last season.

“I am very happy with the centre-backs: In this position, there is a lot of competition. Apart from Umtiti, who has fewer possibilities than the others, Lenglet is the only left-footed player. We need everyone.”

Source: BarçaTV+