Ronald Koeman talks Messi, Pedri, Gavi, Yamal, winning Copa del Rey with Barcelona | OneFootball

The weekend is a big one for Barcelona as they have a big chance to seal their second trophy of the season.

After taking Real Madrid to the cleaners in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, they meet the same opponent once more in the final of the Copa del Rey, and a win would get them one big step closer towards the dream treble.

Barcelona have historically done well in the Copa del Rey, but have not won it since 2021 when Ronald Koeman took them to the title.

Winning the Copa del Rey

The former manager, who won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona both as a manager and a player, spoke to the media about the upcoming final and what one could expect from it.

He began by remembering the cup he won with Barcelona four years ago against Athletic Club in the final.

Ronald Koeman won Barcelona’s last Copa del Rey. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

“That cup meant a lot, especially because of the very complicated moment we were living in because of COVID and the few options to sign due to the lack of money, which forced us to give entry to the team to many young people.”

“It meant a lot for everyone: for the players, for the club, for me… For the great work we all did at that time,” he added.

When asked if the game was indeed as easy as the 4-0 scoreline suggests, Koeman said,

“When you see the result, it seems that it was easy, but all the games against Athletic are very complicated because of the desire they put and the aggressiveness they always show in the games.”

“Before we had lost the Super Cup against them. We had a little bad luck because they tied us in the last minute and in extra time they scored the decisive goal,” he added on the defeat to the same team in a different competition.

“But in the Cup final, we were superior, we played a great game, and the 4-0 was not exaggerated at all. Barça was perfect that night in all aspects,” he concluded.

Finally, he closed the chapter of the Copa del Rey win, admitting that it was unfortunate it was the last trophy Lionel Messi lifted with Barcelona.

“We all know the sadness that his departure from Barça caused us and for me, as a coach, it was a great loss in the team.”

Reflecting on his time

Koeman reflected on his time at the club. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

The Dutch manager was then asked about what he felt about his time at Barcelona as a whole, directly addressing his managerial stint at the club, which did not last too long.

“I value it positively. It was a very complicated moment due to various factors that coincided. Sometimes I felt very lonely because there was no president during the electoral process. It was very complicated, but I think I did a good job.”

“I changed things and gave opportunities to young people who today are very important in Barcelona like Pedri, Gavi or Balde.

“And also Mingueza, who is now international with Spain, or Nico, who is playing for Manchester City. I am very pleased to have been able to give these young players the opportunity,” he elaborated.

On Pedri and Gavi

Speaking in depth about the one signing he made which has well and truly revolutionised the way Barcelona play – Pedri Gonzalez, Koeman said,

“Pedri is one of the best midfielders at the moment. Technically he is very good, he knows how to play very easily. His ball control and the vision he has on the field are impressive.”

“In addition, he is a serious person with his feet on the ground, a hardworking boy… I was delighted with him,” he added.

Koeman praised Pedri and Gavi. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Gavi was the next topic of discussion, and the former Barça coach had only words of praise for his quality and tenacity.

“Gavi is also very good in football. Sometimes they talk too much about other things. He is indeed a more aggressive player,” he began.

“I think he has seen more cards than the account, but that’s because of his youth. He will correct it because that is achieved with time and with the experience that he will acquire by playing games,” he elaborated.

Finally, he concluded his take on Gavi and admitted that his aggression was very important for the team.

“Today his aggressiveness is also very important for the team and he is working and improving in this aspect.”

Final prediction

Looking ahead to the upcoming Copa del Rey final, Koeman refused to put the favourites tag on any team but agreed that Barcelona were the better of the two sides.

“There are no favourites in this type of match. If you analyse it, Barcelona may be having better results in football, but in a match between Barça and Madrid, anything can happen.”

“And for Madrid, it is an opportunity to compensate for the sadness that has caused them to be out of the Champions League. They are receiving criticism for their game and results, but in the Cup final between two great teams there are no favourites,” he added.

Finally, he spoke on Lamine Yamal and the magic he produces regularly despite being just 17 years of age.

“Lamine is a great player despite his 17 years. He is very young and still has to learn. At his age, he is already very good.”

“You have to ask him to play at his level, to learn, to improve, but you don’t have to put too much pressure on him,” he added.

Source: MARCA