Ronald Koeman: 'We have to improve when we don't have the ball'

Ronald Koeman made one thing clear in his pre-Copa del Rey final press conference on Friday: "We have to be good with and without the ball. If there is one thing we have lost in recent matches it is our game without the ball." The Dutch coach also admitted "both teams have had a tough path to get to the final" and then cast an eye over Saturday's opponents Athletic Club de Bilbao. "They are a very competitive team and it will be our fourth meeting of the season, all tight matches so far. They are a physical team with plenty of spirit and use set pieces really well," explained Koeman.  

Asked about how Barça would approach the game, Koeman responded: "We need to dominate the game, look for players between the lines, get down the flanks and create chances, as well as being careful defensively when we lost the ball." As for Barça's young players who will be making their first appearance in a final, Koeman added: "Playing in finals, losing them as well, is how you get experience and maturity in such games." 

Finally, Ronald Koeman turned his attention to his captain, Leo Messi, revealing "in every training session he wants to get better and he knows how to prepare himself for big games."