Ronald Koeman has delivered new secrets about his time on the Barça bench. The Dutch technician remembers in particular the immediate agreement between Lionel Messi and Pedri, when the second arrived in the first team.
Between August 2020 and October 2021, Ronald Koeman spent 67 games on the Barça bench. The technician obtained an average of 1.96 points, for a total of 40 wins, 11 draws and 16 losses. The former defender was then replaced by Xavi. During his experience, the current coach of the Netherlands witnessed the emergence of a phenomenon, Pedri: the player played his first match under the Blaugrana first team in September 2020. The coach recalls that Lionel Messi immediately noticed his technique above that of his partners.
“Messi saw it straight away”
“Lionel Messi immediately noticed Pedri’s qualities and he was ready to combine with him during matches, but not with other players. When Pedri arrived I knew he would be very good. And Messi also saw it straight away. He gave the ball to Pedri and he didn’t give it to the others.”explained Ronald Koeman during an interview with the Mundo Deportivo.
However, Pedri and Lionel Messi could not evolve together for long. The Argentinian, whose extension was ultimately unsuccessful due to the state of finances, had to leave the club in the summer of 2021 and joined PSG. The Spaniard, who is now 20 years old, has since appeared in 102 games, scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists under the tunic of Barça. This season, Xavi has started 25 times, for 28 appearances. And the player also has 18 caps with La Roja.
As a reminder, Barça currently occupies the 1D La Liga table position. Xavi’s team are 8 points ahead of their pursuer and best enemy, Real Madrid.
Koeman stunned by the immediate agreement between Messi and Pedri 24hfootnews.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login