Messi Is Not Difficult to Manage – Koeman
Barcelona (Dispatches) - Ronald Koeman has dismissed claims that Lionel Messi is difficult to manage before their Champions League Group G match against Dynamo Kyiv.
Former Barca manager Quique Setien suggested that he found the forward hard to handle during his brief tenure.
"I don’t agree with Setien but I respect his opinion and what he has experienced,” said Koeman.
Messi put in a transfer request in August but was unable to force a move from Barcelona.
"Messi is a very good player, the best in the world,” Koeman said. "I see his ambition but he is not a player I have difficulty managing.
"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,” Koeman said.
Former Barca manager Quique Setien suggested that he found the forward hard to handle during his brief tenure.
"I don’t agree with Setien but I respect his opinion and what he has experienced,” said Koeman.
Messi put in a transfer request in August but was unable to force a move from Barcelona.
"Messi is a very good player, the best in the world,” Koeman said. "I see his ambition but he is not a player I have difficulty managing.
"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,” Koeman said.