DBasia.news – Barcelona managed to defeat Gimnastic de Tarragona in a trial match. Lionel Messi was played by Ronald Koeman as a starter in this match. Barcelona faced Gimnastic at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, Sunday (13/9/2020) am, WIB. This is Ronald Koeman’s debut match since being appointed as coach of El Barca.
In his inaugural match, Koeman played two different teams in each round. He combined senior players with a number of young players from the academy.
In the first half, Koeman played the majority of his main players in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He played four players at once on the front lines, namely, Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, and Pedri.
Senior players such as Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba were also played by Koeman from the first minute. They appeared to be the main framework for Barcelona’s game this season.
Interestingly, Messi is still trusted as captain. This indirectly shows La Pulga’s commitment to Barcelona.
Barcelona closed the first half with a score of 2-1. The two goals were scored by Antoine Griezmann through the penalty spot and Ousmane Dembele.
In the second half, Koeman played more young players. Only Philippe Coutinho, Frenkie de Jong, Nelson Semedo, and Martin Braitwhite were senior players.
This team was able to score one additional goal through Coutinho’s penalty. The 3-1 score closed Koeman’s first match in charge of Barcelona.
After the match, Koeman admitted that he would continue to use the 4-2-3-1 formation. He considers this scheme to match the existing player material.
“I know there has been a change in the system compared to previous years, but the players is able to play like this, because there are good midfielders to receive the ball into the opponent’s defense. “The rhythm of the ball must be high to create space between the lines and score goals,” Koeman said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
With this formation, Koeman seems to want to play Messi behind the center forward. This will make the 33-year-old’s movement more free.
The Dutch national coach especially praised Messi’s mentality. Koeman is now convinced that his flagship player has forgotten the polemic regarding his move and is focused on Barcelona.
“He has shown the same passion as on the first day. He trains well and does it on his day off as well, “Koeman said of Messi.
“He knows well that he has to improve physically, like everyone else. His qualities speak for itself.”
Interestingly, Koeman did not play Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal in this match. This is a sign that the two of them will soon leave from Barcelona.