Koeman talks Messi, Dembele, Umtiti following win over Athletic Bilbao

The start may have been rocky, but Ronald Koeman seems to have found a rhythm in his team now, especially after deploying a new set of tactics that work well for every individual in the squad. Sure, Barcelona could have been in a much better position than they are right now, but for a team under massive pressure, constant media scrutiny, controversy, and an overhaul, sitting second is not too bad.

Following the win over Athletic Bilbao, Koeman talked about the key points from the win, and everything that happened over the last week with the club.

On the performance: “The team was great, especially in the first half. We deserved one more goal.”

On Ousmane Dembele: “Dembélé provides us a lot of good things. One-on-one occasions, depth, speed.”

On Messi’s contract leak: “The leaking of (Messi’s) contract was with malicious purpose to do damage. We have to stay united and focused. We’ll try and brush it to the side even it’s complicated.”

On if Messi was more motivated than usual: “I realized that Messi was very motivated, but not more than for the other games. Leo is a winner…he always wants to show his quality.”

On taking the lead and not losing it: “The team had a significant reaction after the (Athletic’s) goal. When it was 2-1, we had to defend the result and we did.”

On Messi’s importance: “Messi has been showing his quality as a footballer for years, has helped a lot to make this club great, and has helped a lot to win trophies.”

On the misconceptions about Messi: “I do not understand that it is said that Messi is the ruin of Barça with the years he has given in helping and winning titles for the club. He is the most important. Just leave aside the contract and the nonsense.”

On who would have leaked it: “Whoever leaked Messi’s contract must not have a future at Barça.”

On the team’s improvement: “The team is improving, we’re playing better, also in the defensive aspect. In February we’ll have a lot of matches again. It’s going to be difficult. It’s not easy with just two days off between games, but the team’s mindset is very good.”

On Samuel Umtiti: “I think that in the games he has played he has been very good. It is important to have him at his peak physically.”

On Messi leaving: “I don’t know. You have to know how this turned out in the press. The players have to concentrate on our season. We must not lose focus on these issues. There are people who are interested in hurting Barça and Leo. We must continue working.”

Source: BarçaTV+