Koeman: I'm not scared of El Clasico, Barça are at home

Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet in El Clasico on Sunday and Ronald Koeman is looking forward to the game, hoping for his first victory as a coach in this fixture.

Last season, Barcelona lost the two Clasicos that were played. Now, with fans back in the stands, Koeman is hoping for a better result.

"We have won our past two matches and feel good ahead of this big game," Koeman explained in his pre-match press conference.

"We're excited to play this game. I hope the stadium can be full or almost full and for there to be a good atmosphere.

"We know what we can do and we're playing at home, so I'm not scared.

"Both teams are playing for a lot. For us, we still remember what happened last year. But, many things can happen. This match will say a lot about the current state of form of both sides."

Asked which club has the better squad right now, Koeman stated that they are similar.

"I don't know, although there is a difference in terms of experience," he said.

"We also have some experienced players. So it's close.

"There are some areas where they might be better and some where we might be better.

"We'll try to play to our best. I don't think there's a favourite for this game.

"Possession is important for us, while they play well on counter attacks. We'll have to be well organised when we have the ball and when we lose it, to control their counter attacks."

One of the pre-match comparisons being made is between Ansu Fati and Vinicius and the Dutchman was asked for his opinion on the two young wingers.

"They are both young and still have to prove a lot," Koeman said.

"I mentioned this the other day, but we need to be calm with Ansu Fati and let him fully recover.

"He forms part of the team and can make a difference, but it's not only Ansu Fati. He still has to work hard and improve."

Koeman was also asked what this Clasico means for his future.

"If I have to answer this before every game...," he lamented.

"I don't think I or the president should have to answer this every week. I feel like I have backing, but I know my future depends on securing results."

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