Koeman's assistant coach names one episode that turned things around for Atletico

86
87
Koeman's assistant coach names one episode that turned things around for Atletico

"We played a good game. We controlled it until Busquets had to leave the pitch. At the end of the first half, we had problems, without Busquets, against a good team like Atletico," Ronald Koeman's assistant coach Alfred Schreuder has told the media after the 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid.

"There was certain disorganization in the midfield when Busquets had to leave, a player who always gives us a lot of confidence. At half time we talked about it and we improved the game in midfield," Schreuder added.

Sergio Busquets was forced to leave the pitch in the first half after picking up an injury. Ilaix Moriba replaced him but the youngster didn't have much impact on Barca's play.

RELATED NEWS

Pique gives his take on La Liga race after Atletico draw

"It wasn't to be, we are not in control of our own destiny now. But given how La Liga has been this season, not a given that any team wins all their games," Gerard Pique has told Movistar, as quoted by The Athletic.

"We're still alive. We played a good game and we had more chances. We don't depend on ourselves. We generated enough chances to score.

"We are Barca and we have to fight for La Liga until the end, we have always done it that way. If we don't depend on ourselves now, it's because at times we haven't been well," Pique concluded.

Barcelona are now 2 points behind Atletico Madrid in the La Liga table. Real Madrid are just one point behind Barca with one game in hand.

Messi 8, Moriba 5: rating Barca players in Atletico draw

Marc-Andre ter Stegen - 8/10

Superb first-half display from the German who produced a few crucial saves to keep us in the game.

Leo Messi - 8/10

The Argentine was very active upfront and created a few scoring chances for himself and his teammates but was unlucky not to score.

Besides, Leo was winning plenty of fouls throughout the game.

Sergino Dest - 7.5/10

A very solid performance from the American wing-back who was very creative on his side and decent in defence, winning 3 of his 4 tackles and making 2 clearances.

Ronald Araujo - 7.5/10

The Uruguayan entered the game after the break and looked much better than Oscar Mingueza, especially at set-pieces. The centre-back came really close to finding the net and did some great things at the back.

Ilaix Moriba - 5/10

Didn't really impress after coming on for Sergio Busquets in the first half. The youngster lost a few balls and gave us little offensively.

Oscar Mingueza - 4/10

The young Spaniard was too error-prone at the back and was deservedly subbed off at the break.

Other players' ratings: Pedri 7, Dembele 7, Griezmann 6.5, De Jong 6.5, Pique 6.5, Alba 6.5, Busquets 6.5, Lenglet 5.5, Roberto N/A.

Best
Newest
Oldest