Koeman talks De Jong, Yamal, Messi, Barcelona UCL chances – ‘Don’t think they are favourites’ | OneFootball

Ronald Koeman sat down with NOS for an exclusive interview, where he talked about Frenkie de Jong’s return to form, among other things.

The Dutchman notably talked about de Jong’s future as well as the road ahead for Lamine Yamal amid comparisons with Lionel Messi.

Koeman on Barcelona’s UCL chances

Koeman also talked about Barcelona’s chances in the Champions League. In fact, he claimed that Barça are not the favourite in his eyes.

“I don’t think Barcelona are the favourite. There are other teams that play at Barcelona’s level, like Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, who I saw against Madrid. They are also capable of winning the Champions League,” he said.

“But yes, Barcelona is one of those teams. I think Barcelona’s style of play is fun. We must admit that Dortmund, who are ranked eighth in Germany, although they are not a big team, they also have opportunities to score goals,” he added.

Koeman went on to talk a bit more about Barcelona’s recent 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund, claiming that the result was a bit deceptive.

“I think the 4-0 scoreline was a bit deceptive, but the path Barcelona is on is clear and you can see that from the players’ performances.

“The young players have two or three years of experience, and of course, they have a midfield with Frenkie, Pedri, and Fermín, as well as Gavi, who I think is the heart of the team and is working well.

Koeman hailed Barcelona’s young players (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“They also have good options in defence, and the role of coach Flick must also be highlighted. I think he leads the team in the best way, and you can see the positive atmosphere.

“People are happy with the way they are playing, so I see Barcelona in a very positive light and they have a real chance of winning important titles,” he said.

Koeman on Frenkie de Jong

The major highlight of the conversation was Koeman’s thoughts on Frenkie de Jong, a player rejuvenated since the turn of the year.

Koeman talked about how de Jong has re-established himself as a key component in Barcelona’s midfield.

“Frenkie has become almost an experienced player among these youngsters. He was the captain of the team, which gives the extra impression that he was a very important player there.

“I know how painful the past period was for him. I am so happy for him. It’s Frankie that everyone loves to see,” he said.

The Dutchman was notably asked about de Jong’s future at Barcelona and whether or not he is interested in renewing his contract at the club.

“I don’t know. Of course, I know from Frenkie’s side, because we talk a lot and meet up a lot. But I think I’ll answer the same way I’ve answered in years past when it comes to his future. I think any team would love to have a player like Frenkie in their squad.

“And if he’s in Barcelona, ​​I think Barcelona should always try to keep their best players. This is a club issue, not Frenkie’s. And as I said, I think Frenkie wants to stay here,” he responded.

Koeman on Yamal and Messi comparisons

Koeman also addressed the comparisons between Lionel Messi and Barcelona’s latest rising star, Lamine Yamal.

“No one should be compared to Messi. Yamal is of course an amazing player. At his age, of this quality and importance, let’s hope he continues on this path. There is only one Messi,” he said.

The Dutchman even had words of wisdom for Yamal, urging him to not think like he is Messi but rather work on improving his game every day.

“I think you have the right to compare players, and the only thing I hope is that the player himself doesn’t think that way, but rather works every day to improve. I think that’s the most important thing because a player’s career goes through a lot of ups and downs.

Koeman doesn’t want to compare Messi and Yamal (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“He must work hard and be serious. He can certainly become a great player, and he already is at his current age, because he is a decisive player at certain moments in matches,” he said.

Koeman then doubled down on his point about there being only one Messi.

“He shouldn’t be compared to Messi because Messi is a unique player, and that’s all there is to it. Messi was fantastic, and certainly with the passing years and gaining experience, Lamine will improve more and more, but I don’t think we’ll ever see a player in the future who was as important to Barcelona as Messi was,” he added.

Finally, Koeman was asked whether or not Messi will ever return to Barcelona for one last dance, to which, the Dutchman had a simple answer.

“I don’t think he will return as long as the president is here,” he concluded.