Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman admits he ‘would prefer to have Lionel Messi’ but he hails power of the ‘collective’ after his side see off Real Sociedad in LaLiga opener
- Barcelona began their LaLiga campaign with a 4-2 victory on Sunday evening
- Martin Braithwaite got a brace and Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto also scored
- It is the first season since 2003-2004 where Barcelona won’t have Messi
- Ronald Koeman hailed the ‘collective’ effort of his team against Real Sociedad
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has admitted he would ‘prefer’ to have Lionel Messi but praised his team’s effort after their 4-2 victory against Real Sociedad.
The Catalan club opened their LaLiga campaign off with three points thanks to goals from Gerard Pique, a brace from Martin Braithwaite and a stoppage time goal from Sergi Roberto.
It is the first time since the 2003-2004 season where Messi won’t play a league game for the club and he will be a big miss in their challenge for the title and the Champions League.
Ronald Koeman hailed the ‘collective’ effort of his team after their opening day victory
Barcelona approach a LaLiga season without Lionel Messi for the first time since 2003-2004
Speaking to the media following the victory, Koeman said: ‘I think our game can be more collective than before, but I’d prefer to have Messi in my team. But if we don’t have the player, it has to be the collective.’
Barcelona were unable to sign Lionel Messi to a new contract due to LaLiga regulations about player salaries.
The Argentine superstar has joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain where he will form a deadly trio with ex-Barcelona teammate Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Martin Braithwaite netted a brace as Barcelona picked up a 4-2 win over Real Sociedad
One of Barcelona’s additions this summer, Memphis Depay, impressed Koeman who was also previously his manager for the Dutch national team.
Asked about his performance against Real Sociedad, the Barcelona manager said: ‘He played a great game and he gave a great assist. He’s always doing things,’ he said Depay before turning his attention to Braithwate who scored twice.
‘He’s an example of a professional. He always works for the team and has improved his game. He has speed and is difficult to stop. I’m delighted to have a player like him.’
Memphis Depay will have a big role to play this season in the absence of Messi
He also offered praise to Pique, who took a pay cut to allow Memphis and Garcia to be registered for this match.
‘He was the leader last year but this season he is better physically. His attitude has been exemplary, like that of the other veterans.’
More sacrifices will need to be made to register Sergio Aguero or further reinforce the team during the summer transfer window.
