Koeman responds to talk that Messi is 'difficult' to manage

Quique Setien made some eye-opening comments about coaching Lionel Messi, with his successor at Barcelona now weighing in his own thoughts.

Setien and Koeman have two very different views on what it’s like to coach Messi at Barcelona.

The former led the Blaugrana between January and August this year before a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League led to his dismissal and only recently opened up on his experience.

Several things were said in Setien’s interview with Spanish outlet ‘El Pais’, but it was his remarks on Messi that gathered much attention.

While acknowledging the Argentine as the greatest footballer in history, Setien added that he was difficult to coach at Camp Nou.

Setien didn't seem to enjoy coaching Messi too much 😯 pic.twitter.com/fYrQz6VH3I

— Goal (@goal) November 1, 2020

But Koeman, who replaced the 62-year-old as Barcelona manager in the summer, has refuted his predecessor’s claims by insisting he has found managing Messi to be the complete opposite.

“I respect all opinions. For me Leo is the best player in the world, I am seeing his ambition and winning character,” said Koeman as quoted on Goal.

“I have no difficulties to lead [him]. He is the captain and I talk to him every week. I see things differently from Setien and I do not agree [with his opinion].”

Messi and Barcelona are currently preparing for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Dynamo Kyiv at Camp Nou.