Koeman gives his verdict on Barcelona’s win over Nastic

Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

The Dutchman started with a 3-1 victory

Ronald Koeman got off to a winning start as Barcelona boss with a 3-1 pre-season friendly win against Nastic on Saturday.

Goals from Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho delivered the win, with Koeman playing a different team in each half as promised.

The new Barca boss was asked for his thoughts after the match and spoke about his relief that all his players came through it unscathed and their objectives.

“The most important thing is that fortunately there have been no injuries. Everyone has played 45 minutes. There were moments of good intensity. There are always things to improve on but we’re happy. We have been here for two weeks and we have two more to go,” he said.

”It may be different and somewhat more defensive than what has been seen in recent years, but the objective is to move the ball, hold on to it and find the spaces to play between the lines, and behind rival midfielders. I think this team can do it because we have midfielders to play like that.”

Source | Barca TV

Koeman also seemed pretty happy with new signings Francisco Trincao and Pedri and praised both youngsters after the match.

“He [Pedri] is a great talent. He’s 17 and such an important signing for our future. He has trained with us and has the quality to play, so we’ll see how much he can take part.

“I liked Trincao positionally, sometimes coming inside and sometimes going outside. He has quality and has to adapt to the speed and rhythm. He’s a great signing.”

Barcelona play again on Wednesday against Girona in another friendly and have reportedly asked Elche if they fancy playing the Joan Gamper trophy next weekend.

Source: barcablaugranes.com