Sergi Barjuan talks injuries, Aguero after Barcelona draw against Alaves

Sergi Barjuan’s tenure as the interim manager of FC Barcelona did not get off to the best of starts as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Deportivo Alaves at Camp Nou on Saturday.

The 49-year-old Barcelona B boss was promoted to first-team duties, on an interim basis, earlier this week after the sacking of Ronald Koeman. In his first assignment, the Catalans showed good control and attacking intent but once again lacked the cutting edge and clinical nature in the final third to make their domination pay.

Memphis Depay put Barca in front in the 49th minute with a stunner after cutting in from the left. However, Alaves struck back shortly after with Luis Rioja coming back to haunt the Catalans again after having scored against them twice last season as well.

Speaking after the game, Barjuan insisted that his team performed well and created the chances but could not end the game on a favourable note.

“We controlled the game. We were intense in the second half. We had our chances, but it couldn’t be. We must recover mentally and physically, make the players see that we are on the right path,” the 49-year-old said.

The game also saw Barcelona lose more players to injuries as Gerard Pique had to come off with a knock in the second period while Nico Gonzalez also seemed to have picked up an injury. This was after Sergio Aguero had been withdrawn in the first half as he struggled to breathe after a collision.

Addressing the injury concerns, Barjuan said: “It is what it is. We have the bench and the B team. There is no choice but to look ahead.” Speaking of Aguero’s condition specifically, he added: “I asked him and he told me he was dizzy. I was told he went to the hospital. I don’t know anything else.”

Barcelona will take on Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Champions League next week. And Barjuan will be hoping to get his first win in that encounter.

Source: BarcaTV+