Barcelona coach Koeman delighted with Alaves rout: Messi so important

Football
14 Feb 2021 • 8:14 AM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

Tribal Football covers news from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman was delighted after their 5-1 rout of Alaves.

Lionel Messi and Francisco Trincao each scored twice at the Camp Nou before Junior Firpo added a fifth goal late on.

"The team is doing well," Koeman said at full time.

"We're confident we'll be able to win the tie [against PSG], knowing that we played against a strong defensive unit [in Alaves].

"They have injuries, but so do we. The tie is evenly matched. We have to play well to go through.

"We're in a good run of form, with a good streak of wins. We're confident."

Messi's two goals saw him close the gap to Luis Suarez to one goal in the Pichichi standings in LaLiga Santander.

"Messi is very important," Koeman recognised. "He's in fantastic form.

"We know he's decisive; he has been for a long time.

"He's very focused. He's happy. He's effective.

"With him, everything is easier."