Sergi Barjuan talks Barcelona job, Ansu, Dembele ahead of Alaves clash

Sergi Barjuan spoke to the press for the first time after being appointed as the interim manager of Barcelona in the aftermath of Ronald Koeman’s sacking.

The 49-year-old has been handed the reins of the first team until a full-time appointment is made. Set to preside over Barca’s La Liga clash against Deportivo Alaves on Saturday, Barjuan addressed the media, where he talked about various things ranging from his appointment to tactics and injuries.

The interim head coach started off thanking the club for their trust in him, saying: “I thank the club for their trust, I send Koeman a big hug… There is little room for work, it is a complex situation but I have tried to implement the criteria that I think are needed.”

Barjuan then opened up on the tactics and playing style that he would like to incorporate and the atmosphere within the dressing room. “We have to try to connect all the players. I trust the help of the fans, that they support the team… The way of playing will not vary much, although some tactical concepts will,” he said.

“I am a winner, the players are and we must have the maximum demand. I will intervene more or less depending on the players themselves. The atmosphere in the dressing room? I see the team very well. It is difficult to vary many things in such a short time. The style of play is non-negotiable,” he added.

Moving to the squad and the injury issues, the caretaker boss provided a positive update regarding Ousmane Dembele, claiming that the Frenchman could be available for selection. However, the same cannot be said of Ansu Fati, who did not train and will miss out. “Dembélé has chances to be in the squad tomorrow. Ansu didn’t train, and won’t be available,” he said.

Barjuan also provided a glimmer of hope for Riqui Puig, who was constantly overlooked by Koeman. When asked about the prospects of the midfielder featuring, he said: “Everyone has chances.”

The number of injuries that Barcelona have suffered this term have led to questions over the physical exertion during the training sessions as well as the medical team. When quizzed about the physical aspects of the preparations leading into Saturday’s game, Barjuan replied: “I don’t know what they did before. It’s a long-term question. Today I asked for intensity.”

Source: BarcaTV+