Koeman wants each midfielder to score three to six goals next season

Ronald Koeman is preparing for the 2021/22 season and hopes Barcelona can improve on what they achieved during his first year in charge.

The Dutchman is looking for improvements across the pitch and has specifically called on some of his midfielders to contribute with more goals.

"Frenkie de Jong has to keep going as he is as, after his first season, he has taken a big step forward and he has more responsibility in the team," Koeman said of the young Dutch midfielder in an interview with the Catalan club's own media channels.

"He has improved going forward and we will keep working for him to get even better. Like all the midfielders, he should aim to score between three and six goals.

"[Pedri], meanwhile, had a great Euro 2020. At just 18, after the season he has had, he was playing with great maturity. It is really amazing.

"He is still improving and he is a great kid, who lives for football. It is a shame for us that he is going to the Olympics, but he knows we expect a lot of him and we have confidence in him and he knows that he has a coach who is not afraid of giving young players a chance.

"Pedri has played a lot. We will have to give him a break [after the Olympics]. Everyone needs it during the summer. As Pep Guardiola said, playing two important tournaments in the summer is too much, but we can't do anything."

When asked about the more experienced members of the squad, Koeman insisted they remain a crucial part of the team.

"The veteran players have a place in the squad," he said.

"They already showed it last year and it is important that they be with us. In a club like Barcelona, the balance between the oldest and youngest must exist.

"[Lionel Messi] is vitally important. For what he brings to the team, he's the captain and an example. His goalscoring has been brilliant despite a difficult start. He has shown time and again he is the best in the world.

"I know how much he wanted to win the Copa America and he has done it at last. Messi is the prime candidate for the Ballon d'Or after a great season and for me he is the favourite."

The Barcelona coach had plenty of positive things to say about his new signings, who are adapting to their new environment.

"Sergio Aguero is an important signing as we have to improve in front of goal," the coach said.

"He is an experienced player and very dangerous in the box. He has to be right physically, and we want him to be at his best for us.

"[With Memphis Depay], he knows how I work and he is a player with a lot of character. He is strong, quick, he brings us a lot.

"He can play anywhere up front and he is coming into the prime of his career. He improved a lot at Lyon, and he gained experience as captain.

"[Eric Garcia] had a good Euro 2020. He is a homegrown player and, despite his youth, he is experienced.

"He plays in a position in which I have a lot of experience so I can focus on his performance even more. He is good on the ball so we can improve in that area and he has a great future ahead of him."