BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona learned last week that a future without Lionel Messi does not have to be so bleak and they will look to build on the greater team unity that was on display in their season-opener when they visit Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in LaLiga.
While the Argentine's departure to Paris St Germain left Barca with a hole of roughly 50 goals per season and his rare ability to change a game in an instant, their dominant 4-2 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday indicated they could be stronger in other areas without being so beholden to their former captain.
Coach Ronald Koeman raved about his side's display in their first game without Messi, calling it the best first half performance he had seen from Barca in years. "It's almost the same team as always but now with 10 players pressing, and that's where they won the first battle against us. If Barcelona can improve in that area, even without Messi, they will be capable of achieving great things," he said.
Athletic made a less impressive start with a 0-0 draw at Elche and coronavirus restrictions mean they cannnot count on the intimidating atmosphere that has helped them beat Barca in recent years, although around 10,000 fans will be at the 55,000-capacity San Mames.
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