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Ronald Koeman: 'Barcelona must move on from Lionel Messi'

Koeman: 'Barcelona must move on from Lionel Messi'
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman insists that his side cannot dwell on Lionel Messi's exit from the club after their dominant display against Juventus.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that the Blaugrana must move on from the days of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine intended to extend his stay at Camp Nou only for financial obstacles to prevent him penning a new deal, and he is now expected to complete a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi gave an emotional press conference to family, teammates and the media on Sunday before Barca's Joan Gamper Trophy win over Juventus, and Koeman is looking forward rather than backwards.

Speaking after his side's 3-0 win over the Old Lady, Koeman said: "It's normal that when a player like Messi leaves, it's hard for everyone, but we have to move on because we can't change the situation.

"We have to play well, win and work even harder. There are other players who can play in his position and play an important role in the team. We don't have Leo now, though. We have to move on and look forward.

"We've signed Memphis Depay, who has shown today that he can be really effective. The midfielders need to score more and the squad needs to improve.

"The best player in the world will always be missed, but you have to accept it and get to work. It's no use dwelling on the past. There's a lot of promise in this team."

Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig all netted in a strong showing for Barcelona against Juventus, and Koeman's side are now preparing for their first game of the La Liga season against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

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Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman pictured in February 2021
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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