Real Betis – FC Barcelona: Koeman: “We are killing the players, this cannot continue like this” | Football24 News English

ROnald Koeman took advantage of the press conference prior to the match against Real Betis to show his displeasure with the calendar. The Dutch coach complained about the number of games players have to take on, the short time to recover and the amount of injuries who are suffering as a result of this planning.

“It is difficult. The number of matches that large teams have, with three competitions, above with the moment we live with Covid, which makes everything more difficult. You have to talk to the players to see how they are physically, the sensations. Sometimes you have to give someone a rest to be able to have everyone in the best conditions. If we count tomorrow’s game and Wednesday’s, there are 12 games in a row, 11 of which are away from home. 21, coming home at 3 in the morning. It is difficult for the players to be able to play everything. We need help. I hope that one day UEFA or LaLiga think about the number of games and what they do with the players. It is not normal What has to be played, the trips, the schedules, doing the Super Cup between four teams, in my opinion, is a lot. Each coach has his opinion about the load of games that the players have. I think this has to stop. killing players. This can’t go on like this. We have many injuries related to this. It is impossible. Hopefully one day they will make the decision to help the players with their fitness. “

“I remember that they already asked me about this issue. I am not a coach who lets the second goalkeeper play in the Cup. Every week, each tie, I talk with De la Fuente about goalkeepers. There are many things to decide about a goalkeeper before each game “

“There is always hope. There is a lot of distance from points and they lack a game. We have to keep winning games but this is very difficult. We are hopeful because we have improved many things.”

“I remember that I called him when he signed with Bara. I told him that I had a lot of confidence in. I told him, that he felt important. Although he started without effectiveness, then he has recovered. I have never doubted him. Besides, he has self-criticism. No you can ask Griezmann for more. It is very important to us “

I have no doubt about the quality of Dembl. I love”

“For any player, his physical condition is important. I think we are physically very well. If not, we cannot endure a month of January like ours. The work we have done since the preseason has been very good. Too bad about the injuries. very well and mentally too. Ousmane, I don’t know what has happened in previous years, but seeing him this year, physically he is fine and he is playing regularly. I have no doubt about his quality. He is a player that I love. “Very happy. To continue like this and to help. If one day you need to rest, like the other day, to give the best you have, rest.”

“We want to have everyone available. I know it has been a lot of games. We have to face a complicated week. If there are risks, we will reserve. It is a matter to be decided”

“It is important for us. There is competition because I think Umtiti has been fine after his injury.”

“He can be ruled out for the first leg against PSG. He is a stick for himself. I asked him at half-time in Granada and he said he was fine, without discomfort. Eight minutes later he was injured. This morning I came back talk to him to encourage him. “

“I am in favor of sleeping at home. Even the players prefer to be at home.”

“I can’t deny that the other day I was very happy after the game. I don’t know for how long. Today it’s sunny and tomorrow it may rain. I really liked the game the other day, but tomorrow it’s another game. We have to prove one more time. that we are on the right track. “

I really liked the game the other day, but one day it can be sunny and the next it can rain. Tomorrow is another game “

“The only one who can decide his future is Leo himself. I would like him to stay. I see him happy. He gives us a lot of effectiveness and quality. The future is in his hands”

“These are his words. I can only comment on this year, not on previous ones. I can only comment on what has been played today. There are decisions in which we have not had fortune, but I do not think they are against us. of the referee and also has the VAR. I always think that the attitude of the referee is honest. He sees what whistles and is not in favor of any team. “

I don’t think the referees are against us “

“It is never good for a coach to say which game is more important. I am in favor of doing things day by day and game by game. It is the best way to prepare and win games”

“Out of respect for the player, I am not the person who has to talk about this. You have to have respect. I am not in favor of getting things out. If there is something, I think we communicate things. Ansu is very calm because he has a lot of future ahead of him. and you have to do things right. I’m not going to go into this topic any more. “

“It is difficult because we have many games, four with overtime, and we play late. We have to recover. I think they recover better when you win. I have seen the team well, recovered to face a difficult game.”