The Catalans have lost a major psychological advantage ever since Lionel Messi left the club earlier in August, admits Ronald Koeman after a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao.
“I don’t like to always talk about the same thing, but we’re talking about the best in the world,” the Dutchman opined in the post-match press conference.
“Our opponents were more scared when Messi was here.
“For us as well, if you pass the ball to Leo, usually he won’t lose it. You can tell [Messi] isn’t there. We know that and we can’t change it.”
he was quoted as saying by Goal.com
In the game against Bilbao, the former La Liga champions looked clueless against the high-press of their opponents and consequently, couldn’t dominate the proceedings in the midfield, which certainly is their usual and preferred style of play.
Koeman will certainly look to reflect upon his team’s unsatisfactory performance against Bilbao. It was only Depay’s first official goal for the Blaugrana that brought them back into the game. Nevertheless, Koeman boss needs to figure out a way to maximise the combined output of Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and potentially, Sergi Roberto, who is set to start in Pedri’s absence.
Barcelona have had an active summer transfer window, though. Despite their delicate finances, the Blaugrana have managed to register Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia, Emerson Royal and Sergio Aguero.
While summer signing Depay, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal have become regular features in Koeman’s plans thus far, the same cannot be said for Sergio Aguero, who is yet to fully recover from his injury.
Garcia was sent off in injury time of the second-half. Either Oscar Mingueza or Clement Langlet could likely partner Ronald Araujo in Barca’s next fixture against Getafe (August 29).
