Ronald Koeman believes that his Barcelona side is beginning to take on the identity he wants.
Following a 4:0 win over Dynamo Kyiv that secured their qualification to the knockout stages, the Dutchman was full of praise for his side claiming that the team’s performance was satisfactory.
The La Liga side have struggled domestically in recent times with just one win from their last six games. A raft of injuries to first-team players also meant that pressure was much on the team.
However, they put their recent wobble and ill-luck aside with a much-improved performance on the night.
After the game, a much-relieved Koeman was quick to make loud their qualification and point out his team’s hard work.
“We’ve achieved our objective of qualifying for the last 16,” he stated after the match.
“The image was good. The team put in a lot of energy. There was a lack of effectiveness in the first half, but we dominated the second half, and we played well.
“We can be happy with the result. I liked the team performance. They worked hard, and they pressed.”
“The image today is the one we want to give. All the players are hungry. The youngsters and all those who played made a good impression, and the result is good.”
With options lean at the back following an injury to Gerard Pique, Koeman was forced to hand a first-team debut to defender Oscar Mingueza. The youngster performed admirably well at the heart of the defence, keeping a clean sheet.
“I think he can play regularly,” Koeman said of the defender. “But he has to work hard. He did his job and showed that he can compete in that position.”
