Koeman: If we win the last five games, we will be La Liga champions
Ronald Koeman believes Barcelona can still win La Liga, even if they have left themselves with no space for error in the run-up.
The Blaugrana blew a one-goal advantage to lose 2-1 at home to Granada on Thursday, denying them the opportunity to take over at the top of the table.
Koeman's side now sit third in the
Primera Divisiontable, with just five games remaining, the first of which is a tricky trip to Valencia on Sunday.
About the fact that Atletico Madrid has yet to tour Camp Nou, the Dutchman remains adamant that maximum points would be enough to beat both Diego Simeone's side and Real Madrid, who are currently second in the standings to the title.
"It is true that we were very disappointed because it was a very great opportunity to get to the top, but there is no more time to be sad because we are fighting with the top three teams," Koeman told the media on Saturday.
"In all the games we have a lot of possession, we create opportunities. It is true that defensively we have to improve things.
"We expect a difficult game [against Valencia], where we are going to have a lot of possession, we have to create, be better defensively.
"It is a great opportunity that we have missed, but I am convinced that if we win the last five games we will be champions."
Sevilla is also in the title chase, sitting just a point behind the Catalans, while Granada's midweek victory gave yet another reminder of why, according to Koeman, there are no guarantees in such a tough game.
"It is a strong championship, with very good teams. There are four teams fighting for La Liga," he said.
"If you are not well, if you lack things, then you pay dearly. That is the beauty of this season. There is no team superior to the rest. That shows that it is a very strong championship."
After Granada's equalizer, Koeman was sent off and will serve a two-game touchline ban, though Barcelona has appealed the decision.
The Dutchman will watch the game against
Valencia
from the stands, but if his ban is shortened, he will be able to return to the technical area for the decisive match against Roji Blancos on May 8.
"We are going to appeal because I think it is a very exaggerated sanction for saying 'what a character', you wear two games, if you really insult, they give you 20 games," Koeman said.
"Tomorrow I will not be able to be on the bench, but we have technical staff and we are going to overcome it."
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