Koeman unhappy despite Barcelona’s win in Copa del Rey, says it’s “unacceptable”
Follow Us
FC Barcelona laboured to a 2-0 win over 3rd division Spanish opponents Cornella in the Copa del Rey. They were forced to play extra time, as Pjanic and Dembele both missed penalties in normal time.
Dembele finally broke through Cornella’s stubborn resistance in the 92nd minute of the match. Martin Brathwaite added a 2nd goal for Barcelona to put the result beyond doubt. Cornella progressed into this match after defeating La Liga leaders Atletico in their last Cup fixture.
Cornella defeated Atletico Madrid in the 2nd round of Copa del Rey
Despite Barcelona’s win in extra time, coach Koeman was not pleased with their performance. This was Barcelona’s third match in a row which went into extra time after the Supercopa semifinals and finals.
Pjanic and Dembele join a list of five Barcelona players to have missed penalties this season, along with Messi, Griezmann and Braithwaite. Koeman felt Barcelona should have closed the match earlier as they received two penalties each in one half.
“I don’t understand because normally there are enough players who can score penalties,” said Barca coach Koeman.
“Maybe they are scary, I don’t know. Several players have failed and, above all, if you score one of the two penalties, you calm down.
You cannot miss two penalties as Barca players. It’s not serious.”
“Again it’s 120 [minutes], which is an issue as that’s three straight matches now and it’s on us. We’ve made chances and had two penalties… that can’t happen.”
“I can’t fault our effort, but it’s not just about running, also creating and and being effective. It was tough for us today… it’s not acceptable.”
Barcelona next face Elche in the league on 24th January, a turnaround of 3 days after another 120 minutes. Koeman will hope for an improved performed from the Barcelona players without his star Messi.
Also Read :Czech FA claims Josef Bican scored 821 goals, disputing Ronaldo’s record
Stay Updated!
FS Desk
(8023 Articles Published)