Ronald Koeman has dismissed Quique Setien’s claims that Lionel Messi can be a problem in the Barcelona dressing room. The former Blaugrana boss admitted recently that he found it difficult to manage the Argentine during his time at the Camp Nou.
Despite his attempts to leave the Catalan club in the summer, Messi remains the Barcelona captain under Koeman this season and the pair share a good working relationship. “For me, Leo is a very good player – the best in the world,” Koeman said during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“Each day, I see his ambition and winning mentality. I don’t have any difficulties getting along with him.
“For me, he’s the captain. I talk to him each week about things on the pitch and in the dressing room. I don’t agree with that, but I respect Setien. If he thinks like that, it’ll be like that for him.”
Barcelona are winless in their last four league games but sit in a good position in their Champions League group.
“I understand the criticism,” Koeman added. “Getting two points from four games isn’t good. It’s normal to get criticised. I accept it, I assume [responsibility] and I’ll keep working to improve things.
“There’s never a dull day because there’s always something. In the end, winning matches is what counts.
“I’ve had lots of comments from fans, who are happy. [They’re not happy] with the two points in LaLiga [from the last four games]. We’re a team that has created the most clear chances per game. We have to increase this factor. We’re not happy with these figures. The image is a positive one.”
After letting Luis Suarez go in the summer, Koeman is regretting not bringing in another striker to replace him. “I’ve said many times that we’re lacking one,” Koeman said on the need for a striker.
“It’s the most important thing for the club in January. I don’t want to force it, because I arrived knowing the financial state of the club. “If it’s not possible, it’s not possible and we’ll work with what we’ve got.”
Barcelona’s younger players have stepped up this season, with Ansu Fati and Pedri some of the top performers in the squad. “We know that we have quality young players,” Koeman said.
“It always depends on the performance of these players. As a coach, I have to protect the young players. “Pedri is a boy who can’t play every game. For them, it’s a lot physically. Young players are here to change things at the club. They deserve to play.”
Koeman was speaking ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League group stage match against Dynamo Kiev at the Camp Nou. “The objectives are the same: playing good football and creating chances,” Koeman said.
“You have to win your home games. At the moment, we want to continue in that sense, winning games in the Champions League.
“We’ve spoken and we know that Dynamo have their problems [with numerous coronavirus cases]. They’ve done their tests this morning [Tuesday], but I don’t know the rules, nor the UEFA regulations. Let’s hope we can play [the game].”
