Koeman talks Araujo, Neymar, Pique ahead of Deportivo Alaves clash

Barcelona’s good form was stopped in its tracks when the team travelled to Andalusia to take on Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-finals first leg. A goal each from the sensational Jules Kounde and former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic helped the hosts resigner a 2-0 win heading into the La Liga and Champions League week.

The onus to bounce back is on Ronald Koeman now, who addressed a room full of journalists ahead of the clash against Deportivo Alaves at the Camp Nou.

On the clash tomorrow, and then against PSG: “Right now, tomorrow’s game is more important than Tuesday’s. We are going game by game and we want to continue our good streak in La Liga.”

On Neymar’s injury: “I don’t think Neymar is an Alavés player. This question is for Monday.”

On more signings: “I believed that we needed them, but I respected the decisions of the candidates and the club. With the injuries we have had, we lack people at the back. Due to injuries our performance has decreased.”

On a possible punishment for Pique: “It’s not my problem. I’m not delving into the subject. He’s responsible and experienced enough to say things. You have to try to criticize with respect.”

On Alba’s penalty against Sevilla: “As I said, it is a penalty. I do not understand why the VAR does not intervene. Everyone saw that the fault was inside the box. They can make mistakes, no problem. “

On a possible comeback against PSG: “We played a good game last time round. If we repeat what we did we will not lose at the Camp. We have hope. This team is capable of dominating Sevilla, but we must have a little luck.”

On the recent injuries: “Dest, Pjanic and Braithwaite trained today. As for Araujo, I am not in favor of risking players for a game. These players have to recover, without rushing them.”

On Bayern’s sextuple and comparisons with Guardiola’s Barça: “I’ll stick to Guardiola’s Barça, they played the best football of 25 years. Bayern are impressive, but that Barça was something else.”

On Araujo: “Araujo is injured; we will talk with him and with the doctors. It is important to know what the risk factor is of playing him against PSG. We have not decided yet.”

On the rise of Pedri in the first team: “You have to give opportunities to young players in order to grow. Pedri’s case is incredible, but there are some who need more time to grow which is normal.”