Koeman: 'I'm very happy with the work the team are doing'

Ronald Koeman spoke on Friday after training at the Ciutat Esportiva, assessing the team's preseason so far. The coach opined that "the team are working very well, with intensity, and I am very happy with the work that the team have been doing during these two weeks." 

The initial weeks of work

"They've been very positive. We're two weeks in and the players are working very well. There is a good level of intensity in training, fIrst of all with the fitness side in the opening weeks, and now with tactics."

"The players have shown a lot of spirit, interest and intensity, and that is the most important thing, because for me you have to train how you play. It's very important and I am very happy with the work that the team have done over these two weeks."

An atypical preseason

"It's tricky. It's a short preseason and we only get four weeks before the opening game against Villarreal. It's also more of an individual preseason, as some players who have had more of a rest and others who have played games. We have to try to ensure that everybody is in top form before the opening game."

"Now we have some friendlies and training sessions in which to get into good shape and face a tough LaLiga season."

Leo Messi

"He's the best. Messi is a hugely important player and he has shown that for many years. I hope that he can repeat that this season." 

The game against Nàstic

"Each player is going to get 45 minutes; it will be a game with two separate teams. We will look for intensity, order in our play, how we want to play with the ball, transitions and pressing... things to improve and to see how we want to play."

Young players

"The young players have adapted very well, as have the signings. It's a strong group and everybody has possibilities to play. We have a phenomenal atmosphere in training, the young players have participated and have a lot of quality, and now we need to improve and increase our fitness."