FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman does not live with fear and trembling at the Clásico against Real Madrid.
According to Spanish media, many supporters of the Spanish superpower are pessimistic about the chances of the disappointing FC Barcelona in the derby with Real, which is scheduled for Sunday.
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"I don't know if people distrust this mistrust," Koeman said at his press conference on Saturday.
"We certainly don't have that. We know we can and want to show once again that we have a good team."
FC Barcelona had a lousy start to the season and are in a disappointing seventh place in La Liga, leaving Real on Sunday as the slight favorite at the Clásico.
However, Koeman draws hope from the last two games, in which the 26-time national champion won against Valencia (3-1) and Dynamo Kiev (1-0).
A win would also be a boost for the Dutchman, who is still under high voltage in Barcelona.
"It is not necessary for the chairman to tell me every week that I can stay. I feel supported by him, but I know that everything depends on the results. I do not feel that it is an exam."
"There is no clear favorite for a Clásico," Koeman continued.
"We play at home and have our supporters behind us. I have no fear. We are on the right track and the result in this match is very important. We have to play without fear and show that we want to win from the start."
Ronald Koeman led the training at FC Barcelona the day before the Clásico.
Ronald Koeman led the training at FC Barcelona the day before the Clásico.
Photo: EPA
'There can be no more pressure'
Koeman knows that there will be a lot of pressure on his team in the game of the year.
"There can be no more pressure. But that is part of the profession and is not a problem. I know the importance of the Clásico: I have won and lost them as a player. You have to see it from the positive side. It is my first Clásico as a coach with the public. I am enthusiastic."
The FC Barcelona coach thinks that the teams do not differ much from each other.
"We are more or less the same. There is a difference in experience, but we also have experienced players. There may be details where they are better than us. We both try to get the most out of it."
Koeman does not think the result of the Clásico is decisive for the rest of the season.
"Of course it is one of the most important games, but we still have a long season ahead of us. But if we win, we are already one step further."
FC Barcelona-Real Madrid starts on Sunday at 4.15 pm in Camp Nou.
Last season, Real Madrid won both matches against the arch-rival from Barcelona.
The last victory of 'Barça' in the Clásico dates from more than two years ago.
On March 2, 2019, Barcelona won 0-1 in Madrid.
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