Ronald Koeman surprised by talking about Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland

In the midst of preparations to resume the league competition after the stoppage for the FIFA dates in March, Ronald Koeman appeared at a press conference prior to the match against Valladolid for matchday 29 at the Camp Nou. Before the media, the Dutch coach spoke about different issues that the club is going through, including the present of the team, the continuity of Lionel Messi, the Classic and the rumors about the possible arrival of Erling Haaland in June. 

After being consulted about the future of the Argentine captain, the coach remarked that, “it's a very important matter. We try to do our best so that Leo stays. Now what he has to do's play a game tomorrow. Things of the future are things of the president with his people. We talk because it is normal, but as a coach, like the players, we are aware of the games”.

Both he and President Joan Laporta know that the continuity of La Pulga's vital for the project that is coming. However, for this, the top leader has the difficult task of creating a serious sports structure to convince him. Along these lines, Koeman referred to what is coming and the possible signings, with the name of the Norwegian striker above the rest.

“We have used the parate to have our meetings with the president and his staff to talk quietly about this season and the next. This happens in all the clubs in the world, that during a season they talk about things that may be important to improve our squad in the next one, but I am not going to talk about players who are not ours”. coach Koeman said about Messi. Regarding the possible return of Neymar, he said that "it's a decision that depends on the president".

“We're all working to improve the team, knowing that the club's financial situation isn't the best. They've shown me from day one that they want to try to improve the situation. In the matter of the signings, everything will depend on the possibilities that we have”, he considered.

Ronald Koeman doesn't give Lionel Messi rest

As for the local championship, in which they are four points behind the leader, Atlético de Madrid, the former coach of the Dutch team assured that, despite the fact that Frenkie de Jong and Lionel Messi are warned of sanction and could miss the Classic against Real Madrid next week if they see the fifth yellow card, this Monday against Real Valladolid "isn't the time to rest".

“We know that they're one card away from losing a game, but this isn't the time to rest, neither for cards nor for freshness. We have ten days to go; the risk exists. You have to go game by game and you have to put in the best team”, he declared.