Ronald Koeman has claimed that Real Madrid are not clearly superior to Barcelona, despite the Catalan side’s 2-1 defeat to Los Blancos in the Clasico that took place at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
The Barcelona coach hailed his team’s display in the first 45 minutes and indicated that had the hosts been the team who opened the scoring, the result may have been different.
“I understand the people’s frustration, but today we have shown that we are not inferior to Real Madrid,” Koeman said during his post-match press conference.
“If we had made it 1-0 and not conceded instead, everything would have changed.
“It is true that we were good in the first half and we controlled the game well. We had a great opportunity to take the lead.
“But in the second half, they have done their part and defended well and we have not been able to create danger.
“You have to be vigilant with their counter-attacks. The team did their best to draw. We are disappointed by the result but not by what we have done as a team.
“They have had chances, but it has been an even game and when this happens it is very important to score first. They are dangerous on the counter-attack.”
Barcelona struggled to break down Real Madrid’s low block after the break and unsuccessfully tried to do so with crosses into the box, with Koeman explaining what his team have to improve in attack.
“It means that we had a lot of the ball and that we have to improve things in attack, such as our last pass, the last cross, positions in the penalty area,” added Koeman.
“I sent Luuk de Jong on. I don’t like when the crowd’s whistling at a player. You have to help and support a player [who plays for] your team.”
Koeman went on to stress that he is happy with Ansu Fati’s display despite the youngster not having contributed much in the Clasico.
“[Ansu Fati] played his game,” noted Koeman.
“He worked to help the team. He had a chance in the first half, but they defended well. I think the discomfort he feels has nothing to do with his knee. I don’t think it’s serious.
“He played 70 minutes and it is a lot for him, and he has to rest to be fine against Rayo [Vallecano].”
