Koeman talks Messi, Barcelona training and Nastic friendly

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An update from the Dutchman

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has spoken to the club’s media ahead of tomorrow’s first pre-season friendly against Nastic.

The Dutch boss spoke about his captain Lionel Messi, his impressions of the team’s pre-season work and also their opening La Liga fixture against Villarreal.

Here are the main points:

Koeman on Messi

I have already said it several times that Messi is the best. He is a very important player as he has shown for many years and I hope he can repeat this year.

Koeman on training

It has been very positive, the players are working very well, there is a lot of intensity in training. We have become more physical and now we have to work more on tactics, but in all training sessions the players have shown a lot of encouragement, interest and intensity and that is very important because you play as you train. I am very happy with the work they have done these two weeks.

Koeman on Villarreal

It is complicated because it is a short preseason of four weeks before our first game against Villarreal . And it is also a slightly more individual preseason because there are players who have played more games, others have had more rest, and we must ensure that everyone reaches the top for the first game.

Koeman on Nastic friendly

Each player will play 45 minutes to find the intensity of the game, we are going to play two teams. We will look for the intensity of the game, how we want to play with the ball, the transition of the game, how we are going pressure our rivals, things to improve.

Koeman on Barca youngsters and new signings

The young players have adapted very well and also the signings. It is a strong group, everyone has a chance of playing. We have a phenomenal atmosphere in training, the youngsters have participated and have a lot of quality, now we need to mature and get more physical.

Source: barcablaugranes.com