Athletic Club vs Barcelona Addressed the press
EFE
Barcelona are ready to resume domestic action with a potentially tricky trip to Bilbao where they will face Athletic Club, yet Ronald Koeman has turned his focus to the January transfer window, admitting that he has made a list of possible weaknesses and players that he wants to bring into the club.
Common sense would suggest that Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay are on this list as they were two primary targets in the summer, although it’s unclear how active Los Cules will be able to be given their current economic struggles.
“I have made a list of possible weaknesses and players that I think it would be interesting to bring in,” Koeman explained in his pre-match press conference.
“Any coach always looks to the month of January as a time when the squad can be improved. I am no different, but it depends on the club.”
Barcelona‘s form has been inconsistent this term as Koeman has searched for a balance system, yet the former Feyenoord coach remains convinced of his work.
“The team tries to play in the same way whether we are at home or away,” Koeman added.
“We want to create danger and have opportunities to score, but away from home we haven’t had the effectiveness that a team like Barcelona should have.”
“We have also made mistakes in defence, we’re a team that creates a lot of chances, but our conversion percentage is very low.”
One of the bright spots of the campaign has been the emergence of Sergino Dest at right-back, both on the pitch in terms of his performances and off the pitch when he has never shirked a media request after a tough result.
Koeman has been impressed by the American defender, but reaffirms his belief that there will be ups and downs along the way with a talent of such a tender age.
“Dest has ups and downs during matches, he started very well for us but he is 19 years old and needs time to adapt,” Koeman confirmed.
“Like any footballer, he has the right to make mistakes and then improve from them. I’m not disappointed in him because he is young and these things are normal.”
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