Koeman has ‘doubts’ over ‘limited’ Barcelona squad

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 17 May 2021 22:23 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman has admitted that his squad is “limited” in certain areas.

Since taking over in the summer, the Dutchman has had his hands tied with regards to recruitment and is not optimistic that he will get his wishes during the January transfer window.

Koeman has said that the Catalans will attempt to add to the squad over the month, but financial limitations will restrict him severely, despite indicating that there are areas of significant weakness.

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“I work with the players I have, but if you ask me if it is the ideal team for me, I have my doubts,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “You can always improve things. In some positions we are quite limited and what we can do depends on the situation of the club.

“With Ramon Planes, the technical secretary, we always talk about the future, which players we can sign and in which areas we need more. But knowing the situation the club is going through financially, you can’t ask for much.

“If there is a chance, we will try to find someone, yes.”

Ronald Koeman on Depay transfer

Lyon have already indicated that one of his top targets, Memphis Depay, will not be allowed to leave the club before the end of the season.

Koeman would not be drawn over the deal.

“It’s not a good time to talk about players who are not here,” he said. “It’s tur that his name has come out and he has played all the for the Netherlands team as a No.9. Everyone can have their own opinion, but he’s not here and we’ll see what can happen in the future.”

He did hint, however, that Memphis is exactly the sort of player he needs as Ansu Fati has been ruled out for four months.

“We’ll be without a good player, who can play on the wing or as a No.9 and who has shown a great level,” he said.

Barcelona lie eighth in LaLiga on 11 points, nine behind surprise pace setters Real Sociedad, albeit with two games in hand over the Basque side.