BARCELONA
Koeman: "I feel supported by my players; by the rest, I don't know"
Ronald Koeman spoke to Spanish broadcaster Movistar after Barcelona's shock 3-0 defeat at Benfica in the Champions League, with the Dutch coach quizzed about his future.
What is your analysis of the game?
The end result is hard to accept. I think that what we have seen on the pitch has not been reflected in the result because, even though we were losing, we were playing well until 2-0. We had four clear opportunities. But we did not score a goal. They have scored three.
Were you poor at the back, soft perhaps?
No. Maybe in the last fifteen minutes. But they also have quality. We have to defend. And soft ... physically there are teams that are better. That's how it is.
Was taking off Piqué the right decision?
In the game in which we have taken risks and put pressure, having a player with a card, and almost being sent off, it was a risk [to keep Piqué on]. With Frenkie [De Jong], we got more ball out from the back. But if you don't score, then your decision is not right.
Are you afraid now that you won't get past the group stage?
I am not going to discuss the level of this team. If Sergi Roberto has said this (he confuses Sergi Roberto with Sergio Busquets and his "critical situation" comments), it is different from what he said a week ago. I have said it, and he has said it. You cannot comment on a team that is not the one from years past. And that is the case. It's clearer than water to me.
Koeman: "My future? We will see"
Do you feel supported, do you think you will continue, what is your situation now?
I'm only going to give my opinion about the team, about my players. I feel supported by my players; by the rest, I don't know.
Would you understand if Laporta fired you?
I can't say anything about my future because I don't know how the club thinks in that sense. It’s not in my hands and we will see.
The other day you said miracles should not be expected in the Champions League because you are in a period of rebuilding. Do you take the responsibility for the mistakes or is the team not giving enough?
The blame, in the end, lies with the coach. But I think the approach was good because we were superior but, at 2-0, we had more problems. We have not been inferior, we have been inferior in effectiveness. We are at a time when we are changing things, we are lacking people. It is not necessary to repeat that.
Champions League News:
Do you have the feeling that you are living your moment of weakness at the club?
I think that, for any coach, it is always difficult if you lose two Champions League games. You have to be realistic and know that it is a delicate situation. I try perfectly. You have to try to give the team time and change things. In terms of the physical issue, speed, we are inferior. We have to win by playing our way, with possession and creating opportunities. We have done that, but if you don't score, you don't win.