Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said he has nothing to worry about the commitment of his players after the goalless draw with Cadiz in the Spanish Football League on Thursday, and blamed the absence of several players due to injuries.
Barcelona is in seventh place with 9 points from 5 matches, 7 points behind Real Madrid, the leader in 6 matches.
Koeman, who was sent off in the final moments of the match for objection, had the support of Barcelona president Joan Laporta before facing Cadiz but said his team should do better than they are.
Summary of the draw "Barcelona" outside its field against "Cadiz" 📺# CádizBarça 0-0 pic.twitter.com/G5kEHser4U
— LaLiga (@LaLigaArab) September 23, 2021
Despite the second successive draw for Barcelona, ​​Koeman made it clear that the most important thing at the moment is the team's overall performance.
"It doesn't always depend on results," the Dutch coach told reporters. "We have to analyze what the team offers, its commitment and its approach, and I have nothing to complain about in that match. Of course I'm not happy because we had 4 or 5 chances and didn't take them."
He added, noting that the expulsion of Frenkie de Jong added to Barcelona's problems, "What I look at is the approach, not my personal position. Because if we win we will move forward and if we do not do that, the club will look for a new coach."
Koeman explained that the absence of many players led to a modest appearance.
Barcelona drew 1-1 with its struggling visitors Granada on Monday, without Jordi Alba, Sergio Aguero and Pedri, in addition to other players.
Koeman continued, "I said several times that we must try to win every game. But we must be realistic and look at the squad we have and the absent players. The team is missing 7 mains."