Barcelona assistant coach Alfred Schreuder was happy with how the Catalan side performed in their 3-0 win over Levante at the Camp Nou on Sunday afternoon.
Ronald Koeman was suspended and had to watch on from the stands, but he will be pleased by the return of Ansu Fati, who also got his name on the scoresheet.
Barcelona pressed Levante high up the pitch and Schreuder was happy with the team's work rate.
"We've played a lot of games like this, not just this one," Schreuder told the press.
"It worked really well today. The energy in the stadium was great and it was a great day for everyone involved."
Ansu Fati made his return after 11 months out with a knee injury, and Schreuder stressed how happy everyone is to see him back.
"We know he's a great player," he said.
"He's got individual talent that we need and we know what he's capable of. We're delighted to have him available to play again."
Ansu Fati wasn't the only positive of the afternoon, with the whole side putting in a strong performance.
"We played some great football today," Schreuder commented.
"The players really applied themselves.
"It's great that Ansu is back, but we can't forget about the other players. People like Gavi and Nico [Gonzalez] had a great game and the fans were really happy."
Schreuder believes that there's a lot of potential in this Barcelona team if they can keep their players fit.
"I think that if everyone is fit, we'll have a fantastic side with good options," the Barcelona assistant noted.
"Right now, we have to make sure that those who are playing give everything they can.
"Pedri will be back soon and we'll have a really dangerous team when everyone is available."
Gavi and Nico are two youngsters who have come into the side and impressed.
"Without doubt, if they show that they're capable, we'll consider them," he assured.
"The same happened last year with Ilaix Moriba. It's what we do and who we are. If a player is good, he'll play.
"We've played with a lot of young players. This is the future of Barcelona and players like this grow in these games."
Schreuder also commented on the defence ahead of the Champions League game against Benfica.
"We know the game against Benfica is very important," said the Dutchman.
"We'll need to start with a strong defence and be aggressive and disciplined.
"We'll concentrate on this match and then focus on Atletico."
Despite some difficulties this season, Schreuder insists the squad are happy.
"Everyone is happy," he insisted.
"They're happy with how we've played. We passed the game well as a team and had a lot of possession.
"I think the team are satisfied. The return of Ansu has helped and the connection with the fans has been great."
footballworldfresh
540
Just promote this assistant coach and sack that old man
Champion88
476
You did a better job than Koeman 👏🏿
duzabceklr
379
Was Koeman on suspension when Barca beat Real Sociedad and Getafe 4-2 and 2-1 respectively? Maybe your problem is that you follow football but you don't know what goes on in football. If you care to know, concerning the game against Levante, Koeman was still the one in charge. The truth and fact is that he led and trained the team as head coach throughout, he came up with the final selection, ie he decided where and how every player is to play on the field, he decided who should be substituted and who should come in at every given time. He did all of these by communicating with and instructing his assistants as to what decision to take. He was in full control from beginning to end. The only difference here is that at this point, he did it from the stand instead of doing it from the bench/touchline.
Amgnonijunior
346
Barcelona without Koeman VS Barcelona with koeman [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Desmondeyum
277
Barca should appeal to extend koeman suspension.
colbert2050
272
the assistant is better than koeman and mature
N0_N0NsENSE
194
Bringing luk de jong to Barça alone is a big enough reason to sack koeman. 😭 😭
Cuwabnoruz
154
sack Koeman & appoint Schreuder. Schreuder is more better than Koeman ✌🏻
babypian
96
Hatters Trying To Comparing Barcelona To Ac Milan And Arsenal