Messi is not lazy, says FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman


Messi is not lazy, says FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman
Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has been in an unusual slump of form this season. He hasn’t been to able to get goals from open play this season and has only relied on penalties. Moreover, as his age is increasing, he has more or less reduced pressing the opponents and prefers to conserve his energy for his forward runs. This has irked a number of fans as Barcelona haven’t been able to consistently perform well this season.

ADVERTISEMENT

I don’t see him walking – Koeman

Lionel Messi

The controversy appeared after Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the champions league. The game was almost over in the 93rd minute but Dynamo were desperate to equalize. However, Messi did not opt to press and just walked on the pitch waiting for the final whistle. Nevertheless, Koeman backed Messi and said, “I’m not interested in this because I don’t see him walking. If you want to start a controversy around this point, it’s your problem.”

Moreover, Koeman added, “You said [the footage was from] the 93rd minute – there are pictures of anyone, of me when I’m sitting down, or annoyed. It seems we should be more aware of our image than our work. I don’t agree with that. I think these players, like those of my era, have the same effort as us. They work in training, they want to win and it annoys them when they don’t win. If it were not like this, it’d be because my work isn’t working.”

Nevertheless, Barca should firmly focus on putting their La Liga campaign back on track as they lie at 12th place in the table. They face Real Betis next on Saturday at the Camp Nou. The have more or less qualified for the knockout stages of the champions league after beating Juventus and now need to find consistency in La Liga.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also Read: Real Madrid unhappy with Dortmund over Reinier