Lionel Messi has called for unity as Barcelona's season gets well and truly under way, but Ronald Koeman doesn't expect that that rallying cry will make his life too much easier.
The Dutchman already knows the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona and expects it to be similarly intense as coach of the club.
"I don't know if I'll have a calm life because of Messi's comments, I don't think so," he said when asked about the captain's interview with Sport during Wednesday's press conference.
"There always something.
"But, it is a positive thing when the captain calls for unity and I hope we can be calmer than it has been lately.
"I think we need to make this the best team possible for him, so that he can be at his best.
"It's important to play with a system where players feel comfortable.
"We'll work on this in training, where he also wants to win.
"The way to keep Messi happy is to win matches."
Koeman was also asked about potential reinforcements, specifically about the imminent signing of Sergino Dest from Ajax.
"We know that the club has some problems economically, like all clubs do right now, but there are one or two positions where we're looking to strengthen," Koeman told the press.
"The No.9 position is one of them and we're working on options.
"We're also quite short at the centre-back position.
"With Dest, he has gone for a medical, but there's still a need to wait for contracts to be signed.
"I won't share any opinions until he has signed, but I can say that he is young and can be useful for Barcelona.
"I spoke to him in the past about representing the Netherlands, but he decided to pick the USA and that was his decision."
The coach looked ahead to Thursday's match in Vigo, where Barcelona haven't won on their past six visits.
"We expect it to be a difficult game," he told reporters.
"Barcelona haven't won there in recent years and it is a difficult place to go to.
"Celta Vigo have very good technical players and you need to be good to beat them.
"Whether we are at home or away, I want us to play the same way by pressing the opponent, by dominating and by playing at a high level.
"I know the performances weren't as good on the road last season, but I'm not interested in that.
"The team is good and confident.
"There could be some changes in this match, but I don't want to make many rotations because there's no need right now."
impk415
735
Barcelona Need to build A winning project under Koeman... Only way to building a team centred around Messi but not dependent on Messi Can we think of winning any trophies this season.. VISCA EL BARÇA [100percent]
jonatzDjango
351
It's a good thing Koeman has, not just this once, admitted that the club has financial problems. Until Inter's president said 'there were no negotiations for Martinez' Bartomeu's media had Barca thinking they were negotiating for a player valued at over 80mil when the club couldn't afford.
SH3012
206
Well,you should always expect the unexpected at Barcelona.😒
VAR-IS-SHIT
81
this is a godd attitude... i hipe you succeed... i am not against you, but i won't be like "he is our savior" just after ine win... i hope you bring back good football of our club again