Consequent to uncertainties around Lionel Messi’s future and the incident of his contract leak, Barcelona coach, Ronald Koeman is now on the same boat with the club’s presidential candidate, Joan Laporta on the distractions caused by French giants, Paris Saint Germain, in securing a deal of the Argentine to France.
Koeman has alleged PSG of frazzling with the Barca ace ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 slated at the latter days of this month.
The Dutchman was annoyed with the recent sayings about Messi’s transfer from the camp of the French-based outfit, especially from his countryman Angel Di Maria on his fellow Argentine arriving Parc des Prince when his contract with the club expires.
Recall that PSG chief, Leonardo Araujo had initially commented on the issue that Messi will always be on the list of players admired by the club, stating that a great player like him should play with the French side.
“Great players like him will always be on PSG’s list. Now is not the time to discuss nor even dream of it. We are seated at the table of those keeping tabs. In fact, not seated, but with a place reserved — just in case. Four months is a long time in football, especially now.” he said on CBS
In tandem, FutballNews reported that Di Maria pastes the poster on his compatriot’s arrival to PSG, even his wife loves Barca’s number ten to play with The Parisians.
“I always had the desire to play with him in a team. Every time we go to the national team, it is very little for me. I always had the wish to play with him, having him every day,” Di Maria- who broke the deadlock against Nimes on Wednesday-said.
Yes, yes, I hope so,’ Di Maria said when asked whether Messi could join him in Paris. There are many possibilities. We have to be calm and things will develop.’
However, a Spanish political figure, Joan Laporta who is vying for the post of Barca’s top seat, slammed PSG on their impudence on Messi transfer talks, vowing to file a lawsuit against the club.
“It is disrespectful to Barca that clubs like PSG publicly say they are going to sign Messi. This coming from a club-state that have bypassed the rules. We cannot allow clubs and states the luxury of destabilizing another club.” he told Goal
The former Everton coach could not also hide his feelings on the development, showing discomfort on how ‘disrespectful’ the French side is, on the transfer saga with his player.
‘It seems to me to be a lack of respect,’ Koeman said. ‘It’s wrong to say such of thing, especially ahead of the Champions League game.
‘It’s not fair, and I don’t think it’s respectful toward Barcelona to speak like that about a player who’s ours.”
They talk a lot about Leo, who plays for Barcelona. Besides, we have a tie against them”
But the manager is not fully confident, hoping that the player will tarry at the Nou Camp come next season
‘I’m not confident about that,’ Koeman admitted. ‘I’m hopeful, yes, about this because he’s still a great player and he’s still winning matches for us, for the team. he told The Athletic
Koeman said he has enjoyed coaching Messi, due to his qualities and the impact he has made in the club
‘I’m enjoying being his coach, if you look at his qualities every day in the training sessions, it’s incredible. Of course, he came as a young kid to Barcelona. And I still don’t see Leo Messi in another shirt other than the Barca shirt.’
Barca is placed second on the La Liga table, ten points behind league leaders, Atletico Madrid, they play Real Betis next Sunday.
Ahead of the UCL, the Catalan giants host PSG at the Nou Camp on February 16 in the first leg of their Champions League tie with the return leg on March 10.
