Depay gets debut goal as Barcelona maintain perfect pre-season record

Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman declared “it’s all positive” after a second friendly win in succession was secured and new addition Memphis Depay netted on debut.

Goals from Gerard Pique, Rey Manaj and Depay – the Netherlands forward smashed in a penalty – earned Saturday’s 3-1 pre-season triumph against Segunda Division’s Girona. This followed Wednesday’s opening 4-0 victory versus 10-man Gimnastic.

“I think the game has had more rhythm, also our opponent, Girona, is a good team that tries to play and it was a good game for preseason,” he said.

“There was rhythm, a lot of play on both sides and I’m happy to have added more minutes and the players who have joined the most recently have played. It’s all positive.”

He added: “Depay has played more minutes than expected but he is a high quality player, he has shown it at certain moments of the game and it is important because in the attacking positions you have to have competition and this is very good.”

Barca – who finished third in La Liga – next play Stuttgart on Saturday.

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