“We can't live in the past,” said the Barcelona coach before the league game against Real Sociedad.
For the first time in almost 20 years, FC Barcelona will start a league season in Spain without Lionel Messi. The superstar, who has long been a symbol of the club, migrated to Paris Saint-Germain because Barca could no longer finance a further commitment.
The newly formed team starts on Sunday with a home game against Real Sociedad. “There are no excuses. We have games to play and points to win, ”emphasized coach Ronald Koeman.
“It's painful for all Barcelona fans, considering what Messi did for the club, but we can't live in the past,” the Dutchman said at a press conference on Saturday. “I'm excited about the new season and I hope the fans are enthusiastic too. We have to live in the present, not the past. “
While Koeman has to do without the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Aguero, Barcelona also announced positive news. In accordance with the financial rules, the club was finally able to register the newcomers Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia in the Spanish league.
This was made possible because veteran Gerard Pique agreed to a “significant” salary waiver, said the 26-time Spanish champion. The club management is also in talks with the players about a general reduction in wages.
First match / İlk maç / First game
🎥 @ fcbarcelona_tr pic.twitter.com/L9ek7jeuQc
– Yusuf Demir (@ yusufdemir_10) July 23, 2021
Koeman said that Eric Garcia and Pedri would be at his disposal against Real Sociedad, although the two had played the Olympic final with Spain against Brazil (1: 2 aet) and before that the European Championship with the A team last week.
It is also possible that the Austrian Yusuf Demir will be in the match squad on Sunday (8 p.m.) after the 18-year-old Rapid loan was used in all important preparatory games. Demir is officially part of the second Barcelona team.
