Barcelona started the new season in LaLiga on Sunday with a 4-2 victory over Real Sociedad. With just under ten minutes to go, coach Ronald Koeman’s team was leading 3-0, but it was still exciting when the Basques scored twice in no time. Sergi Roberto eventually scored the liberating fourth goal at the Camp Nou. Koeman has a very good feeling about the first competition match, also because thousands of spectators are home to los Azulgrana were allowed to enter.
“It was an evening to enjoy. There were just over 20,000 spectators, but it seemed like a lot more,” Koeman said afterwards. “The supporters have helped and supported us from the very beginning. It’s a completely different experience for us. We enjoyed many things. We have to be strong in our own house, have the support and feel of our fans. It’s important that we started the competition with a win and it’s even better if we leave a good impression.”
Memphis Depay? Gerard Pique ? ????????! ? The first assist from Memphis is a fact and it is gossamer ?? A tailor-made ball, especially for Piqué who handed in his salary for his arrival! ??#ZiggoSport #LaLiga #BarçaRealSociedad pic.twitter.com/uZJ3VBh7F7
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) August 15, 2021
Koeman was therefore satisfied with the victory, which was achieved by goals from Martin Braithwaite (two), Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto. Pique’s 1-0 and Braithwaite’s 2-0 were preceded by an assist from Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong respectively. “It was a fantastic game in every way. There was an audience, we left a good impression and this is the way we must continue. I would like to dwell on the first half hour. That was fantastic. Both on the ball and when the ball had to be captured, by reacting quickly. Everyone was pushing.”
“I think it was the best Barcelona in years,” Koeman emphasized, without specifying how many years he went back. “The goals in the first half were important and after the break we controlled the game.” Nevertheless, Real Sociedad managed to reduce the disadvantaged margin from three to one in a few minutes. “You can only applaud the goal from Mikel Oyarzabal’s free kick,” emphasized Koeman, himself a gifted free kick taker in his active career. “That goal caused some complications, but in the end we fulfilled our duty.”
And there is the second assist of Dutch origin: Frenkie de Jong serves Martin Braithwaite! ?? The Dane heads the cross in perfectly ??#ZiggoSport #LaLiga #BarçaRealSociedad pic.twitter.com/zY6Xr1QWMc
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) August 15, 2021
Koeman was very pleased with Braithwaite’s role, who, in addition to his two hits, also prepared Sergi Roberto’s 4-2. “The ultimate example of a professional. In addition, his game has improved. He helps us in many ways. He provides speed up front and he is always difficult to defend for the opponent. I would love to have players like that.” This also applies to Pique, who, because of his wage sacrifice in the extreme, ensured that Depay and Eric Garcia could be registered for LaLiga in time. Koeman, however, focused more on his sporting added value. “He is one of our leaders. The problem was that last season he had to miss a lot of games due to his injuries.”
“The way he helps everyone with his experience is an example for everyone.” Finally, Koeman was asked whether Barcelona is more of a team now that Lionel Messi is no longer part of the club. “I don’t know,” the Dutchman kept to himself. “The Barcelona game may be more collective now, but I still prefer Messi in my team.” Barcelona awaits an away game with Athletic Club next Saturday and a home game with Getafe on August 29, before the international match starts.