BARCELONA
Koeman: "Laporta has done the right thing"
Koeman thanked the president for his support ("It's good to know how things stand") but knows that Barça's situation won't be turned around in a day.
Ronald Koeman spoke after watching his team lose 2-0 to Atlético Madrid from the stands at the Metropolitano as he served the final part of a touchline ban. The Dutch coach's job remains on the line but he was given a temporary reprieve by president Joan Laporta, who confirmed that he will remain in charge... for now.
What are your thoughts on the defeat, and particularly the goals conceded?
The first goal came from a mistake because we spoke about how we needed to defend before the game. We had to man mark them in midfield. And we didn't do that. When you go 1-0 down, it becomes difficult. I don't want to make out that we had clear chances. We could have hurt them, more, but the decisive moment came when they went 2-0 up. After that we had one chance to score, from Coutinho, but we didn't take it.
Would you agree with Piqué's assessment that the team could have continued playing for two days and still wouldn't have scored?
As I said, we didn't created a lot, but making chances against Atlético is never easy. You have to open up the pitch, but we lacked the players to do that. We played through the middle and that is where they are strongest.
Is there any solution to this apart from when the injured players return?
There is a solution, but it won't happen from one day to the next. We need to work, give it time, and wait until we have our attacking players back available.
Was Laporta's decision to keep you on a personal one?
We spoke on the phone last night. We spoke again this morning about the moment the club is in, and other things, and at least we have been clear about it. Laporta has done the right thing because if things aren't clear, it's harder to work. It's good to know how things are from here going forward. But it's normal that results are demanded.
Would you have liked that support a little earlier?
Maybe, but I am thankful to him for it because it gives us some peace.
Do you think that there will be peace at the club?
What counts are the results. After the international break we have three games at home which we have to win.