“Barcelona should not break the bond with the Barca talisman, Messi”- Rousaud

“Barcelona should not break the bond with the Barca talisman, Messi”- Rousaud

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A former member of Josep Maria Bartomeu’s staff admits the Blaugrana have “hit the bottom” but wants them to do a deal with their talismanic captain. Barcelona need to ensure that Lionel Messi remains “non-transferable”, claims Emili Rousaud. Barcelona staff also thinks that the bond between the Argentine superstar and La Liga heavyweights “can’t be broken.”

Recently, Barca suffered a disastrous finish to their 2019-20 campaign losing their domestic crown to Real Madrid. After Barcelona got crushed by Bayern Munich on Saturday in the Champions League, changes in Catalunya are on the move.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2021. The South American is also concerned by the direction in which Barca are heading on and off the field.

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Rousaud told Marca in an interview:

Rousaud believes the 33-year-old can still be talked into prolonging his association with the Blaugrana. He also admits that decisive action should be taken in order to prevent the unthinkable from happening.

He told Marca: “You have to make a deal that secures Messi with you for life. Messi’s history with Barcelona can’t be broken, he can’t leave.”

“I hope that Messi will be at Barcelona for many years, even in different roles, for us he should be considered absolutely non-transferable.”

While hoping to see a deal agreed with the talismanic presence, Rousaud also believes that Barca find themselves in a difficult situation.

He added: “I believe that we’ve hit the bottom.

“We have to rethink, the current board is responsible for taking an important step and giving another project a chance.

“The current project has shown itself to be exhausted, the cycle has ended.”

Quique Setien paid the price with his job. Setien was handed the managerial reins only in January and is relieved of his duties on Monday.

Ronald Koeman is expected to be appointed in Setien’s place. Although Rousaud is still hoping to see Xavi returned to Camp Nou at some stage, with the legendary former midfielder having cut his coaching teeth in Qatar with Al Sadd.

Rousaud on Xavi and Koeman:

“I think that Xavi could lead the new project because he has roots in Barcelona’s DNA,” Rousaud said.

 “Koeman also has the advantage of having belonged to the ‘Dream Team’ and knowing the style of play the club wants.”

“He could be offered a year, so that his future isn’t locked in when the new administration takes power.”

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