Ronald Koeman has not given up on Barcelona’s seasonal aspirations just yet.
The Blaugrana boss maintains that winning the La Liga title is still possible following a 1-0 win over Levante.
Barcelona currently sit eighth in the table, nine points behind leaders Real Sociedad. Atletico Madrid dropped points after losing 2-0 to Real Madrid on Saturday.
“Of course we can win [the title],” Koeman said after the Levante win. “If we improve and we have more confidence and we improve our effectiveness [in front of goal], there’s a chance! There are still lots of games left remaining.”
Lionel Messi has seen his scoring number reduce drastically. His goal on Sunday was only his fifth of the La Liga season so far.
“You have to realise they don’t make it easy for him,” Koeman said on his captain. “He’s marked by lots [of players]. But he’s shown he’s decisive.”
Samuel Umtiti, who has been an absentee over the last couple of seasons due to injury, came on in the final minutes to see out the game.
“If you need something to finish the game and your opponents are putting more people forward and they’re being dangerous, you have to defend the result,” Koeman explained. “It was important to win this game. It gives us confidence for Wednesday.”
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