Koeman defends the outburst of Lionel Messi’s anger

Barcelona coach, who was forced to deal with yet another difficult situation about Lionel Messi, demanded more “respect” for the disgruntled star.

Iran PressEurope: Ronald Koeman, was visibly angry when Messi arrived in Spain on Wednesday after a long flight and when a journalist asked him about criticisms directed at him by a former agent of teammate Antoine Griezmann.

“We have to respect people like Messi more, and from what I’ve seen in the field and training, there’s no problem between (Messi and Griezmann).”

Griezmann’s 2016 agent, Eric Olhats, said last week that Messi was downplaying Griezmann in a “fear regime” at a club where Argentina seems to “dominate everything.”

When a journalist asked Messi for his reply, he replied tiredly: “To be honest, I’m a little tired of all the problems in this club.”

It sounded another alarm at Camp Nou about Messi’s future.

Many are concerned that the latest offensive episode is another reason for Messi to carry out his plans to leave the club. Messi will be free to negotiate with other clubs in January as his contract expires at the end of the season.

There is widespread speculation that you might want to reunite with former coach Pep Guardiola in Manchester City.

Kuman said he didn’t feel it was his job to persuade him to stay in Messi, but he said he was confident that the 33-year-old Forward would extend his 20-year mission in Barcelona.

“I hope he stays in Barcelona,” Koeman said. “I think it’s unbelievable what he did for this club, but he’s a key figure in making decisions about his future.”

Barcelona will visit Atletico Madrid, the only undefeated team in the league, on Saturday.

214/216

Read more:

Lionel Messi: Barcelona, 'best interests in mind'

Messi confirms staying at Barcelona