Koeman talks Laporta, Messi, Araujo ahead of PSG clash

Ronald Koeman took part in a press conference earlier today ahead of Barcelona and Paris-Saint Germain’s Champions League tie. After a consequential and exciting past week, including two critical wins against Sevilla, Joan Laporta winning the presidential election, and a positive result in the Madrid derby, Barça face another huge test on Wednesday. 

After losing the first leg 4-1, the entire squad must be on their A-game. The Blaugrana may have overturned a 2-0 deficit against Sevilla, but Koeman reiterated that PSG are an entirely different beast: “In the first leg we had some good moments. The Copa game gave us a lot of confidence, but you cannot compare a 0-2 with a 4-1 at home. It’s much more complicated, and PSG are a strong team that aspire to everything. We have to play the perfect game.”

Furthermore, Koeman stated, “We’ll try to complicate things for PSG, it also depends on our effectiveness. We’re a team that always comes out on top and we generate a lot of chances. If we have effectiveness, nothing is impossible.” 

Barcelona will be missing key players in the back, particularly Ronald Araujo and Gerard Piqué, and Koeman had updates on the former. He said, “Araújo? We’ve spoken to him. We have analyzed his last 2 weeks of training. I think we’ve forced his return a little and then he had some pain. We don’t want to force him now, he needs more training with the group and if everything goes well, he can be ready on Monday.”

Ronald Araujo earlier in training today. pic.twitter.com/RghPsuti5T

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 9, 2021

Although their absences are critical, PSG will be missing Neymar Jr and Moise Kean. Nonetheless, injuries have certainly bothered Barcelona all season long, with Koeman saying, “There hasn’t been a single game in which we’ve had all our players available. We have very bad luck, especially with centre-backs. But we have shown that we can do it.”

Koeman also spoke in response to Laporta winning the presidency, “Laporta is a President who gives a lot of confidence to the players, he’s very involved. I think he came in well yesterday, he said a few things in the dressing room. There were good vibes.” 

Laporta’s arrival could also be highly consequential in terms of keeping Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou. In regards to the Argentine’s future, Koeman said, “I don’t know if there are more chances that Messi will stay under Laporta, but it’s true that Laporta has a positive past with Leo and with other players, but it’s Leo who must decide his future. I hope he stays.”

❗Joan Laporta: "Messi congratulated me. I believe he wants to stay." pic.twitter.com/eT78dFoelE

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 9, 2021

If Barcelona want another Remontada, Messi will surely be the catalyst, but the rest of the team must step up as well. Koeman stated, “Messi? If Messi is capable of producing one of his great games, everything is possible, because he can decide things at any given time. But Leo should not be given more pressure. Everyone must perform at the best possible level.”

Although injuries have hampered them, Koeman has solidified his favored formation and the Blaugrana will be hoping to channel their new found confidence and momentum into a positive result on Wednesday.

Source: BarçaTV+