Ronald Koeman may call himself head coach of Barcelona later this month, on November 27 to be precise. The Dutchman is generally happy with how things have gone since his appointment. “First of all, I feel comfortable. We are also changing some aspects of the game, such as playing with more intensity. We are on the right track with many things. I am not happy with the points we have lost in the last league matches, but this is only the beginning. We need to make improvements in various areas and continue to follow this path. ”

Koeman is ‘generally’ happy with the selection he now has, he says on Wednesday in an extensive interview with Mundo Deportivo. “But other factors also come into play, such as the financial situation of the club. I work with the players I have, but I have my doubts if you ask me if this is the ideal squad for me. There is always room for improvement. Certain positions are moderately occupied and that has to do with the situation of the club. ” Koeman would like to attract another central defender and a center forward. “I have indeed indicated that several times. If there are opportunities, we will try. ”

Memphis Depay saw a transfer to Barcelona fail in the past transfer period. It is no secret that Koeman would like to bring his fellow countryman to the Camp Nou, even though he is not a real center forward. First of all, it is not the time to talk about players from other clubs. It is a name that is often mentioned and with the Dutch national team he has always played as ‘nine’. Everyone can form his opinion, but he is not playing for Barcelona and we will see in the future. ” Eric Garcia is also a serious option to give the defense of Barcelona a new impulse. In the past transfer period, however, the arrival of the former youth player of the Catalans was not possible. “Will he come in January? I don’t know, it depends on Manchester City. ”

In principle, Koeman will soon have access to Samuel Umtiti again. The defender was injured even before the arrival of the Dutchman and is working hard on his recovery. Local media assure that Koeman sees little future in the Frenchman. The Dutchman was asked whether he sees ‘an incoming transfer’ in Umtiti for now. “That could be, but I think he still falls short physically. He is now training again, but in some areas he cannot do that in a group yet. In some time, if he’s in good shape, he’ll be back in the squad and be a center-back. It always depends on its efficiency and physical condition whether it is useful for us or not. ”

Koeman continues to trust another Frenchman, Antoine Griezmann. “He needs a little more confidence and scoring goals always gives him more confidence. It cannot be said that it does not work, it is always trying. He may feel more comfortable with the national selection because he always plays in the same position. A footballer who works hard and tries to turn things around will achieve what he wants, I think. What is the best position for Griezmann at Barcelona? More in the middle, like a ‘nine’ or a ‘ten’ behind a ‘nine’, or with a lot of freedom on the right. He can cut in there. He can offer the team a lot in those positions. ”

Ousmane Dembélé seemed on his way to the exit in the past transfer period, but is now making more playing minutes. Koeman is very pleased with the attacker. “Dembélé has taken steps physically. He has trained hard and has also trained extra. If he is physically sound, there are no doubts about his qualities. He had been physically ill for a long time. And then he cannot profit either. Little by little he got better. Dembélé is a fast footballer, who can score, who can manage on both sides and is good in one-on-one situations. I’m happy with how he’s been doing lately. ”

Among all the celebrities at Barcelona there is also a footballer who, despite his age, already knocks on the door and has won the trust of Koeman. “Which footballer surprised me the most? Especially since I didn’t know him very well, Pedri. I knew Barcelona had taken him over from Las Palmas and I had seen some images of him. But nobody saw his development coming or the way he shows himself now. “If you play and train at the age of seventeen with the best players in Barcelona with the efficiency he has shown so far, that is something to be happy about.”