Friday, August 13, 2021 at 3:47 PM• Mart Oude Nijeweeme

Ronald Koeman has opposite ESPN reacted extensively to the departure of Lionel Messi for the first time. The coach expects more from his current selection, having had to say goodbye to Messi this week. The Argentine star signed for two years with Paris Saint-Germain and thus created a mourning mood in Barcelona. On the eve of a new season in LaLiga, Koeman reflected extensively on Messi’s departure and immediately had a message to the players who did stay.

It was the first time that Koeman reacted extensively to Messi’s departure. “I think Messi’s departure was difficult for everyone because we are not just talking about any player,” Koeman said. “We are talking about Leo Messi, the best player in the world for many years. We were all disappointed, but we also know that we have to move on, no matter how complex the situation is. Hopefully we will get players like Ansu Fati and Coutinho back soon, then we still have a strong team. We will have to work harder and do more to achieve what people expect of us.”

Messi scored 30 goals in La Liga last season. In the Champions League he scored five times, while the attacker found the net three times in the battle for the Copa del Rey. “Of course we will have more trouble scoring goals,” Koeman acknowledges. “Now other players have to step up to take the next step. Now it’s more about the team than the individuals. We have to understand that the era of a player always comes to an end. You have to be able to close the book, as “We have to focus on the new season. We have a lot of players with a great future. It’s good to focus on that and not on what happened.”

Koeman admitted to being aware of all negotiations between the club and Messi. “I knew it was a difficult situation between the club, Messi and LaLiga to keep the player at the club, although I was still surprised by the day and the moment when I was told that he was leaving. The club’s economic situation would make it difficult.” Despite Messi’s departure, Barcelona’s goals will not change. “Clubs like Barcelona cannot have a season without prizes. We are going for the championship and a long stay in the Champions League.”