Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman; born 21 March 1963) is a former Dutch footballer and the current manager of English club Everton. He is the younger brother of former Feyenoord coach Erwin Koeman and the son of former Dutch international Martin Koeman. A composed player, Koeman was capable of being deployed both as a defender and as a midfielder, and he frequently played as a sweeper, due to his vision and his ability on the ball. One of the best attacking central defenders...
ProfessionSoccer Player
Date of Birth21 March 1963
CityZaandam, Netherlands
Barca were superior over the two games but there appeared to be a certain influence against us from the referees. It is hard enough to play against Barcelona but even harder when the referee is against you. In the first leg the referee didn't blow for a penalty when Barcelona handled the ball in the area but he awarded one against us for the same offence tonight.
We know we can surprise them, but we must also respect Barcelona and acknowledge that they have a great team. Nothing is impossible.
In the second game we're going to do the same thing, fight until the last minute. Barcelona will have to attack and it will be a game more or less like this one.
We were aggressive at the start and worked well, although we were lucky to score from our first opportunity. We kept our composure after they were reduced to ten men and were content to simply control the game. It was very important we won ahead of the Barcelona tie. We know they're a great team but we also know that we can surprise them. Anything is possible.
We know no fear. We know where we can hurt Barcelona and we're going to battle until the last minute to surprise them.
I think Barcelona showed in two games against us what they are made of. Of course they are capable of beating Milan.
It's hard enough to play against Barcelona. It's harder when you've got the referee against you.
We won an important game but not a decisive one.
We're disappointed with the result. The only positive thing is that after the two matches we have an advantage as we won 3-0 (in Amsterdam) and lost 2-1.
These are two great clubs and history is history. We admire George Best as well, but that has no influence over tomorrow's game.
Anything is possible in football. Everything is open. We're going to fight until the last minute - just like we did in the first game.
Losing three internationals in this match were the reason for our poor second half,
It's going to be hard in Liverpool, but sometimes we play better against big-name teams.
In the second half we controlled the game more and had a couple of chances to equalize.