Ronald Koeman makes a very good impression at Barcelona. Both Sport as Mundo Deportivo reports Thursday that the method of the Dutch trainer is highly appreciated by the players of the Catalan superpower. In particular, Koeman’s clear communication and more intensive training sessions are appreciated, or so it sounds.

“Koeman has convinced everyone in his first weeks at Barcelona”, begins Sport. “The coach has laid a good foundation and immediately spoke with the top players, with Lionel Messi as the first player. The Dutchman shared the ideas of his project with Messi. A reconstruction based on harder work, achieving a better physical condition during the selection. and use a different tactical plan. Messi got a good impression of Koeman, but emphasized at the time that he still wanted to leave because of the board and chairman Josep Maria Bartomeu. “

Koeman not satisfied with Frenkie de Jong: ‘I told him that’

In the days that followed, Messi spoke to some of his teammates. He told them that he believed they were in good hands with Koeman. He still saw no place for himself in the project, but understood that Koeman’s input would help the current squad. (…) Koeman then spoke with some other players: Sergio Busquets, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann. From the first practice session he made it clear to the whole group that he would have a ‘hard training regime’. Koeman also always has one. Speaking one-on-one with players and explaining in clear terms what the intention is. He doesn’t want to become best friends with the players. He just wants to get his message across clearly, without intermediaries, so that no misunderstandings would arise. “

“Koeman addressed publicly, but also internally, Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann after the match against Sevilla (1-1). Both have understood the message and want to improve. A clear speech inside and outside Koeman’s dressing room that is accepted. (…) In addition to the stars, he has also spoken to the talents. Koeman was clear in his intentions with Riqui Puig and Carles Aleñá. Both recognized that they would be treated respectfully by Koeman if they stayed at Barcelona. “

Mundo Deportivo shares roughly the same analysis about Koeman. The Catalan sports newspaper adds that with the arrival of Koeman, we have said goodbye to the sluggish training sessions and that training is done more often and with much more intensity than under Quique Sétien. The warm-up has also become longer and more intensive at Barcelona. In addition, Koeman wants players to be present an hour before the training to, for example, have breakfast together or spar with each other about the playing method, individually or as a group. “

“The Dutchman does not shy away from difficult situations or difficult questions from journalists. He occasionally comes across harshly with his texts, but that is exactly what the team and the club need. From a journalistic point of view, it is also nice that there are The players know what Koeman wants from them, he has sometimes stated this publicly. His way of communicating commands respect in the dressing room, but also in the offices of Barcelona. “