Koeman: "Lionel Messi was not in shape to start the game"

Ronald Koeman spoke to the press after his Barcelona side beat Real Betis 5-2 at Camp Nou on Saturday, with Lionel Messi scoring twice. 

Messi had only come on at half-time and Koeman explained why the forward started the game on the bench: 

On Messi: 

"We spoke with Leo, who ended the Dynamo Kiev game with a small problem and wasn't in shape to play from the start. He was on the bench in case we needed him. If he's good physically, he plays from the start." 

On the win: 

"An important win because of the need for points and happy with how we attacked. We created a lot of danger, a lot of chances. It was not fair that we were drawing at half time. We were better. We missed a penalty, other chances too. We deserved to score in the second half. We were good, focused and it's a deserved win." 

On Griezmann: 

"I hope Griezmann keeps working as he has done until now. To miss, you have to be in the right place. I would highlight his character to keep working. He knows perfectly when he's missed chances. Despite his bad luck, he's always there to score." 

On Ansu Fati

"Ansu had some pain at the break and we didn't want to take any risks. That's why we took him off."