Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman stressed his respect for the decision of Lionel Messi, the star of the team, whether to continue or leave the Camp Nou castle, indicating the Argentine captain’s readiness to participate against his host Huesca on Sunday in the 17th round of the Spanish League.
“Messi is fine, he had an ankle problem. He is ready and his presence is important to us,” the Dutchman said at a press conference.
On the future of Messi, 33, the former Barcelona defender said, “He said in the press interview that he has not decided his fate yet. You have to respect that. Messi has always stressed that he wants the best for the team. It is not a problem that he has not decided his fate yet. We have to respect his decision.”
Coman admitted that he relies more on his star’s abilities, saying: “As was the case in past years. When the team did not play well, Messi was there to make the difference. That is why he is the best in the world.”
Messi returned to Barcelona’s list in preparation for Lewiska after he missed it in front of Eibar in a match that ended with a goal for himself.
Koeman hopes to return to the winning streak from the Huesca gate, after the gap with leaders Atletico Madrid widened to 10 points. Barcelona ranks fifth.
And Luis Suarez, the former Barcelona player, shines in the red and white jersey for Atletico and scored 8 goals in the league.
What makes Coman not regret for losing the player, saying: “I always praised his abilities, it was his decision and the decision of the club. Atletico Madrid does not compare to us. It suits him. Sometimes one goal is enough.”
Koeman explained that Barcelona may not appoint a new player in the current winter transfer market, citing the economic crisis.
And he added, “If I do not come, this is because of the club, the money. What I did with the administration is to prepare for the future. We are talking about young players and the positions that we need to improve. We have a plan, but the new president is the one who will decide.”
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