27-09-2020, 10:38 PM
Ronald Koeman has played down Lionel Messi's reaction to Luis Suarez's move to Atletico Madrid.
The new Barcelona boss has allowed the striker to leave the club this summer, although he admitted it wasn't all his own decision.
"It seems as though I'm the bad guy in this film because, behind my call to Luis Suarez, I've shown respect towards him as a person and a player," Koeman said during Saturday's pre-match press conference.
"I told him that if he stayed it would be difficult for him to play, but that if he stayed he'd be part of the group.
"Before I signed, the club had already made some decisions and I've supported those decisions.
"It wasn't just up to me.
"It's normal that Messi is sad when one of his friends leaves the club.
"Leo has been an example for everyone in training and in matches.
"Not once have I seen him not ready for a season.
"He's shown great commitment. I don't have any doubts in that sense."
As for Suarez's replacement, Koeman admitted that Barcelona are in the lookout for opportunities to sign one before the window shuts.
"We're always looking for players to improve the team," the Dutchman said.
"It could be that the players we want can't [come] because of the club's financial situation, but I accept that and I knew it beforehand.
"We have lots of top-quality players up front.
"If the squad stays as it is, we'll have to accept it."
Riqui Puig is another player that Koeman has suggested should leave the Camp Nou in search of more game time.
"In Riqui Puig's case, there is lots of competition in his position," Koeman added.
"It's not true that he's not in my plans because he'll be in the squad tomorrow.
"It's nothing to do with his shirt number."
Unlike Riqui Puig, Ansu Fati is set to play a major part in Barcelona's first team this campaign.
"Ansu Fati is a great talent," Koeman said.
"Few players at his age show this level.
"He's young and has to learn things but, if he's made his international debut, it means something.
"He's a player for the future for the club, although it's impressive that he's good enough to play for the first team at his age."
Philippe Coutinho has returned to Barcelona following his loan spell at Bayern Munich and Koeman is looking forward to having him at his disposal.
"Coutinho can play perfectly well as a No.10 or on the left wing," he said.
"He's a player that likes to help the team defensively.
"He's got a good shot on him, he plays well in space...
"I like him and let's hope he succeeds at Barcelona this season."
The new Barcelona boss has allowed the striker to leave the club this summer, although he admitted it wasn't all his own decision.
"It seems as though I'm the bad guy in this film because, behind my call to Luis Suarez, I've shown respect towards him as a person and a player," Koeman said during Saturday's pre-match press conference.
"I told him that if he stayed it would be difficult for him to play, but that if he stayed he'd be part of the group.
"Before I signed, the club had already made some decisions and I've supported those decisions.
"It wasn't just up to me.
"It's normal that Messi is sad when one of his friends leaves the club.
"Leo has been an example for everyone in training and in matches.
"Not once have I seen him not ready for a season.
"He's shown great commitment. I don't have any doubts in that sense."
As for Suarez's replacement, Koeman admitted that Barcelona are in the lookout for opportunities to sign one before the window shuts.
"We're always looking for players to improve the team," the Dutchman said.
"It could be that the players we want can't [come] because of the club's financial situation, but I accept that and I knew it beforehand.
"We have lots of top-quality players up front.
"If the squad stays as it is, we'll have to accept it."
Riqui Puig is another player that Koeman has suggested should leave the Camp Nou in search of more game time.
"In Riqui Puig's case, there is lots of competition in his position," Koeman added.
"It's not true that he's not in my plans because he'll be in the squad tomorrow.
"It's nothing to do with his shirt number."
Unlike Riqui Puig, Ansu Fati is set to play a major part in Barcelona's first team this campaign.
"Ansu Fati is a great talent," Koeman said.
"Few players at his age show this level.
"He's young and has to learn things but, if he's made his international debut, it means something.
"He's a player for the future for the club, although it's impressive that he's good enough to play for the first team at his age."
Philippe Coutinho has returned to Barcelona following his loan spell at Bayern Munich and Koeman is looking forward to having him at his disposal.
"Coutinho can play perfectly well as a No.10 or on the left wing," he said.
"He's a player that likes to help the team defensively.
"He's got a good shot on him, he plays well in space...
"I like him and let's hope he succeeds at Barcelona this season."
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