‘I’m not afraid’ of the game against Real Madrid because ‘we play at home, says Ronald Koeman

FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said he was not scared by Real Madrid’s visit to Camp Nou this Sunday, even knowing that, if his team suffers a severe defeat in the El Clásico, his position could be in jeopardy.

“I don’t know if people have mistrust, but we don’t. There is no clear favorite. We play at home, we have people on our side. I’m not afraid, “Koeman said at a press conference, who recalled that” in a Classic there is no clear favorite. “

“Neither of us can surprise. Madrid is an experienced team that knows how to take the game and we prioritize the position of the ball. They play well against it. In several games they have hurt us in this sense ”, analyzed the Dutch coach.

For Koeman, the key will be to have “a block with good ball position and depth and effectiveness.” His forecast is that “both teams” do not create many opportunities and that is why “you have to be effective”, something that he missed on Wednesday against Dinamo Kiev.

“It is important to win, and it would give us a lot of confidence with all the changes we are making and with the young people who are entering,” said the Barça coach. But he pointed out that he does not feel “that it is an exam” for him or for Barça.

In this sense, he said that “there is no need to tell the president (Laporta) every day” that follows. “I feel supported but I already know that everything depends on the results,” he admitted.

Regarding the duel between the young Ansu Fati and Vinícius Júnior, Koeman elaborated: “They are players who are showing a lot. They are on the right track. Ansu must be left alone so that he can recover and have the physique and rhythm that each player needs ”.

Regarding Jordi Alba, who finally entered the squad after recovering from the sprained ankle he suffered against Dinamo, explained that “it is true that he had some discomfort”, but that this Saturday “he has trained normally and is ready to play.” (D)