During the same press conference in which he spoke about Luis Suarez, Ronald Koeman also revealed how he feels about Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi’s images during Luis Suarez’s farewell don’t concern Ronald Koeman at all. The Argentine player was the only one who seemed extremely sad during his best friend’s last moments as a Barcelona player. Soon after that, the captain sent a strong message against the club’s board of directors.
It’s quite evident that an open war is all out between the players and the club. President Josep Maria Bartomeu has been managing the institution like Donald Trump leads the United States of America. When you think things can’t be done worst than they are, he surprises you with something new.
All this mess is something that Koeman wants no part of, he already took himself out of the equation by stating that he doesn’t make the major decisions. But the man proved that he is a good leader with his words about Lionel Messi and his commitment. Doubting about the Argentine’s love for the institution would be a terrible mistake that Koeman doesn’t seem to make.
Koeman empathizes with Messi.
During the first press conference after Suarez left, the gaffer gave his honest opinion about several matters. It’s clear that he had no idea what expected him after taking the job at Camp Nou but he still wants to try his luck.
The decision to drop players like Riqui Puig, for example. That was all planned by the board of directors and Ronald wanted no part of it either by stating he wants the youngster in his squad. But the most compelling argument he had was directed at Leo Messi and his commitment.
“I think it’s normal that Leo is sad when one of his best friends leaves the club,” said Koeman on Barcelona’s website.
“They’ve lived many years together. But the important thing is how he is doing in practice and how he is playing. He’s been an example to everybody. I know he is sad but he came back with a mission to prove a point. I have no doubt he will prove it on every match.”
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