Ronald Koeman Accepts Responsibility For Atletico Madrid Defeat

Ronald Koeman took full responsibility for Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

“It is worrying,” he told Movistar. “For a big team, conceding a goal like this … it can’t be, because it’s the 47th minute, we had the ball and then they score, 1-0.

“We controlled and we knew that it was difficult to create many chances. We had a pair and with the score 0-0, the game would have been totally different [if they had taken either chance].

“Like any coach, I am responsible for the team’s results.”

Although we are only less than ten games into the season, Atletico Madrid did gain a nine-point lead over Barcelona with Saturday’s victory.

Koeman recognized that and said, “It’s a pretty big difference, but there is a lot of the league left and a lot of games.

“We know that every match is complicated, but after this defeat we have to chain an important winning streak. I have seen a team that has fought until the last second to been able to level the game, so in this sense I am not worried.”

Barcelona confirmed later on that Gerard Pique has suffered a serious knee injury. He will be assessed further over how long he might be out for the Blaugrana.