After getting sent off against Granada, Ronald Koeman attempted to explain the referee’s decision during the second half.
Ronald Koeman was sent off against Granada in the most unexpected moment of the match and the Dutchman wasn’t happy. There was a moment during the second half when he was told by the ref to leave the sideline. After that, he wasn’t able to keep giving instructions to his players as he usually can. This decision also comes with perfect timing as Koeman probably was dreading his return to Mestalla.
To those who don’t remember, Koeman coachedValencia a few years ago and his experience was quite unpleasant. He got in fights with his own players and the fan base truly hated him for it. Next Sunday’s return to Mestalla was something he totally wasn’t looking forward to. After today’s defeat against Granada, he attempted to explain why he was sent off.
Koeman doesn’t understand why this happened.
Marca picked up Koeman’s statement: “I don’t understand it,” Koeman said in his post-match press conference. “According to Carlos Naval, I disrespected the fourth official, but I didn’t say anything bad. I didn’t insult him. It’s incredible. But if the fourth official wants to be the centre of attention… I said something, but with all due respect. He responded to me in a way that wasn’t so nice. He disrespected me. If they put something in the report that I haven’t said, then I’ll have to do something about it.
“Our concentration in defence wasn’t as good in the second half. We created chances to score, especially at 1-0, but we lost our concentration. That’s why we lost, and they closed us down well. We have to accept that we lost, but we’re disappointed because this was a big opportunity. Now we have to be ready for Sunday. We’ve got five games left and everyone has a tough run-in. We have to win all five games to be champions.”
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