Ronald Koeman insists Barcelona ‘lost the game in the first half-hour and weren’t aggressive enough’ in their 3-0 home defeat to Juventus.
The Blaugrana would’ve topped the Champions League group if they had managed to not lose 3-0 or by two clear goals other than 2-0, but they go into the draw for the Round of 16 as second seeds.
Ronald Koeman insists Barcelona ‘lost the game in the first half-hour and weren’t aggressive enough’ in their 3-0 home defeat to Juventus.
The Blaugrana would’ve topped the Champions League group if they had managed to not lose 3-0 or by two clear goals other than 2-0, but they go into the draw for the Round of 16 as second seeds.
“I think we lost the game in the first half-hour, as we got off to a bad start, didn’t play well defensively, were lacking aggression in midfield, and Juve played well,” Koeman told Sky Sport Italia.
“They were particularly strong in the first half-hour and deserved to win.”
The coach also spoke to the Spanish press and insisted “there are some positives” from the game, as Barca had won all five group games before this.
“You can also argue that the first penalty given wasn’t a spot-kick, while if they gave that one, then they ought to award one for the incident on Messi.”
Clement Lenglet was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for his penalty incident and was substituted moments later.
“Don’t forget we played two games against Juventus, not just this one, as we won 2-0 in Turin. You should also look at the age of the squad and consider it an important lesson they have learned. They have to play with more conviction.”