Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi is not difficult to manage in defence of the Argentine. The former Dutch defender dismissed claims that Lionel Messi is difficult to manage. This is coming before their Champions League Group G match against Dynamo Kyiv.
Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien said Messi is the most difficult player to manage in his time with the club. Koeman has now come out to say: “I don’t agree [with Setien] but I respect his opinion and what he has experienced.”
But he is saying Messi is not difficult to manage in his own opinion. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner pushed for a transfer in August but was unable to force a move out of Barca.
Ronald Koeman also said: “Messi is a very good player, the best in the world.” “I see his ambition but he is not a player I have difficulty managing.”
He further said: “Every coach is different. But for me, he is the captain and I talk to him every week about things in the dressing room and on the pitch and there is a good relationship.”
Barcelona made a slow start to the La Liga season but are perfect in the Champions League. They have won their two games in the Champions League.
Barcelona beat Juventus 2-0 and Ferencvaros 4-1 to sit top of Group G table. Koeman’s side are 12th, having not won any of their past four games. Barcelona lose in the first El Classico, Madrid beat them 3-1 at home.
Koeman also said goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is in contention to return after recovering from a knee injury.
Their opponents, Dynamo Kyiv, have taken only a point from their first two Champions League games. They are top of the Ukrainian Premier League, four points clear of Shakhtar Donetsk.