Ronald Koeman: 'This Barcelona squad cannot play tika-taka'

Manager Ronald Koeman has dismissed suggestions that his current Barcelona side should be attempting to play 'tika-taka football'.

Barcelona battled their way to a point at home to Granada on Monday night, extending their unbeaten La Liga record to four matches thanks to Ronald Araujo's late goal.

However, the share of the spoils was earned through crosses continually being delivered into the penalty area, a far cry away from the attractive passing football used by previous managers.

Nevertheless, Koeman has defended his playing style, insisting that the current crop of players is significantly different to the club's past stars.

Speaking to reporters, Koeman said: "If you see the squad list today do you really think we can play tiki-taka?

"Barca right now is not the Barca of eight years ago. We play the Barca way but we don't have the speed in wide areas because we have Philippe Coutinho who cuts inside and Yusuf Demir who doesn't reach the byline much.

"When Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele come back then we will be different but they are not fit so we have to find alternatives."

Barcelona are currently down in seventh position in Spain's top flight, albeit with a game in hand.