'There is always interest from the press because he is homegrown': Koeman on Riqui Puig

The 3-minute cameo against Getafe remains Puig's only La Liga appearance this season.

Riqui hasn't convinced him by his attitude in training, according to Koeman.

“There is always interest from the press because he is homegrown from the club. 

There are more players who have not played lately and are trying to have the support of the coach and the press,” Ronald Koeman told the pre-Sociedad press conference of Riqui Puig.

“We are not talking about a single player who does not have minutes. There are many players. We are a strong squad and we can only play with 11 at once.

“I make the decision on the player’s training and his attitude.”

In fact, Koeman told Puig to look for a loan spell elsewhere ahead of the 2020/21 season. The midfielder, however, decided to stay and fight for his place at Barca.

The 21-year-old has played just 77 minutes across all competitions this season so far. What's more, Riqui's 3-minute cameo against Getafe remains his only La Liga appearance this term.