Ronald Koeman on Osasuna win, Madrid derby & Ilaix's golazo

Ronald Koeman on Osasuna win, Madrid derby & Ilaix's golazo

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The Dutch coach spoke about Messi's role and Ilaix's goal after the game

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman was happy with his side's 2-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday even if they weren't at their best.

"It was a complicated game," he said. "The team was serious, they were switched on mentally, but it was not our best game. I think we did what we had to do, we won the game and I'm happy."

Koeman started with a back three but changed the formation at half-time, taking off Samuel Umtiti for Ousmane Dembele.  

He explained: "We had some problems because we had three centre-backs against just one striker, so we needed another in midfield to be better defensively because Osasuna created two or three clear chances in the first half. For that reason, Samu had a card and to press better we took off a centre-back."

The goals came from teenager Ilaix Moriba -- his first for the club -- and Jordi Alba but both were set up by Messi, who played in a deeper role.  

"Leo has that freedom during the game, where he feels his quality can be important," Koeman said. "He set up the goal for Alba. We need Messi to create danger in attack, the rest have to run, offer width. Today he was a bit deeper but he played well and created danger."  

Ilaix, 18, struck the goal that sentenced the game and is taking with both hands the opportunities Koeman's giving him.

"Ilaix scored a fantastic goal, the decisive goal that sentenced the game," the Dutch coach added. "He's earning his chances. He's good with the ball and he's a strong kid.

"Every time he comes on, he gives the team something extra despite his age and deserves the minutes he's getting. For me, the most important thing is that we're competitive. Age doesn't matter, it's about what I see on the pitch."  

With three points in the bag, Barça are two points behind leaders Atletico, who host Real Madrid on Sunday.

Asked for his thoughts on the Madrid derby, Koeman said: "First, you always have to do your job, win your game. I think any result tomorrow is good for us. We will see."  

And Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday? "I think we have a day off then prepare for Paris but with the result, don't want to say it's impossible, but we're going there to get a good result."

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