MX23RW : Tuesday, March 11 18:35:26| >> :60:3340:3340:

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

Koeman: 'Barcelona must move on from Lionel Messi'
© Reuters
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.

ID:458732:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2501:
Written by
Ben Knapton

Lionel Messi future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Ronald Koeman

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman pictured in February 2021
Read Next:
Barcelona 'prioritise new central midfielder this summer'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona26183571254657
2Real Madrid27176457263157
3Atletico MadridAtletico27168344182656
4Athletic Bilbao271310445242149
5Villarreal26128648361244
6Real BetisBetis2711883533241
7Mallorca27107102633-737
8Rayo Vallecano279992929036
9Celta Vigo27106114041-136
10Sevilla279993236-436
11Real Sociedad27104132328-534
12Getafe2789102322133
13GironaGirona2796123540-533
14Osasuna2671273237-533
15Espanyol2677122537-1228
16Valencia2769123045-1527
17Leganes2769122440-1627
18AlavesAlaves2768133040-1026
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2766153045-1524
20Real ValladolidValladolid2744191862-4416


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!