Ronald Koeman does not expect any new players at Barcelona and it is also questionable whether the club will wave goodbye to players. The coach of the Spanish top club is not happy with the fact that he has no fewer than 31 players, including injured ones. As things stand now, that doesn’t seem to be changing. At the same time, Koeman understands that the supporters are not happy with Barcelona’s financial restrictions, he told a press conference in the run-up to the home game against Getafe.
“It’s not good to talk about individuals,” he replied to a question about Samuel Umtiti, who does not want to leave and seems to be succeeding in his mission. “The club knows what I want, but I’ve always said I respect players with an ongoing contract. Every member of the squad knows what his chances of playing time are. However, it is not good for anyone if I start talking about individuals. When all injured players have recovered, we will have a roster of 31 football players. It is impossible for everyone to get to play.”
Barcelona fans regret the lack of more new players. “I understand, it’s a little frustrating. But at the same time we have to be realistic. Financially, Barcelona cannot compete with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City or Manchester United. We have to accept that. We have to work hard to change that. It is a process that will take a lot of time. We cannot demand transfers that we could afford in the past. We are changing things and giving young people a chance. But we also have six, seven players who are now injured and can be in the starting line-up. Despite everything, we have a lot of illusion.”
Koeman refused to talk about a gap year. “I don’t want to think that we won’t win prizes,” emphasized the former national team coach of the Dutch national team. “Barcelona is a club that must always have a winning mentality. However, the situation of the club means that we cannot be the best club in the world. Or can we claim that we are. We know we miss Lionel Messi. We have lost the best player in the world, but we will try to improve as a team. To play better as a collective. It remains to be seen how we will fare.”
“We are building a team for the future, but you will have to be patient. An eighteen-year-old Pedri is not the same as a 24-year-old Pedri. We are building something, but we need time.” Arch-rival Real Madrid, meanwhile, is making frantic efforts to take over Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain in the coming days. “If they have the money, they should definitely get him. He’s one of the best players in the world. I would recommend him too. want to have. Every club tries to strengthen its selection. If Real Madrid is able to do that, perfect.”
Koeman does not understand much of the high amounts that are still being paid. “These are absurd amounts,” the Dutchman emphasized. “And especially at a time of great financial difficulties around the world. It’s crazy that such amounts are paid for football players.” He does not know whether Barcelona will wave any players off in the coming days. “The transfer market has only been open for a few days. Miralem Pjanic is indeed in the match selection. His attitude is good and that’s why he’s there. It would be a lack of respect on my part if I didn’t.”