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Ronald Koeman: 'Barcelona must move on from Lionel Messi'

Koeman: 'Barcelona must move on from Lionel Messi'
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Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman insists that his side cannot dwell on Lionel Messi's exit from the club after their dominant display against Juventus.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that the Blaugrana must move on from the days of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine intended to extend his stay at Camp Nou only for financial obstacles to prevent him penning a new deal, and he is now expected to complete a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi gave an emotional press conference to family, teammates and the media on Sunday before Barca's Joan Gamper Trophy win over Juventus, and Koeman is looking forward rather than backwards.

Speaking after his side's 3-0 win over the Old Lady, Koeman said: "It's normal that when a player like Messi leaves, it's hard for everyone, but we have to move on because we can't change the situation.

"We have to play well, win and work even harder. There are other players who can play in his position and play an important role in the team. We don't have Leo now, though. We have to move on and look forward.

"We've signed Memphis Depay, who has shown today that he can be really effective. The midfielders need to score more and the squad needs to improve.

"The best player in the world will always be missed, but you have to accept it and get to work. It's no use dwelling on the past. There's a lot of promise in this team."

Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig all netted in a strong showing for Barcelona against Juventus, and Koeman's side are now preparing for their first game of the La Liga season against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

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Written by
Ben Knapton

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Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman pictured in February 2021
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Today's games header
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1Real Madrid22154350212949
2Atletico MadridAtletico22146237142348
3Barcelona21133559243542
4Athletic Bilbao21117331181340
5Villarreal22107544331137
6Rayo Vallecano228862624232
7Mallorca2293101928-930
8GironaGirona218492929028
9Real Sociedad218491717028
10Real BetisBetis217772326-328
11Sevilla227782430-628
12Osasuna216962530-527
13Celta Vigo2174103033-325
14Getafe225981717024
15Las PalmasLas Palmas2165102634-823
16Leganes225891930-1123
17Espanyol2265112133-1223
18AlavesAlaves2156102533-821
19Valencia2137112036-1616
20Real ValladolidValladolid2243151547-3215


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