MX23RW : Monday, May 13 12:24:17| >> :60:1554:1554:

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:collect2348:

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 daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid35286178225690
2GironaGirona35236675443175
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico35224964392570
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad341412848351354
8Valencia35139133739-248
9Villarreal35139135960-148
10Getafe351013124148-743
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Rayo Vallecano35714142743-1635
17Celta Vigo35810174053-1334
18CadizCadiz35514162449-2529
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


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!