By Sjur Natvig
Lionel Messi rejected Sunday rumors that he was considering leaving Barcelona as a result of conflicts with coach Luis Enrique and the board.
The Argentinian scored one goal and let up to two with Barcelona ended a turbulent week with a 3-1 victory over champions Atletico Madrid Sunday. Afterwards there was a clearly irritated Messi who spoke to Barca TV.
– I have never demanded anything to be, because I have never had any thoughts about leaving Barcelona, he said.
– I’ve heard it said that my father should have talked to Chelsea or Manchester City. It’s just a lie. I use this chance to deny it so everyone learns the truth.
Messi failed to materialize from training Monday after Luis Enrique put him on the bench in the 0-1 loss to Real Sociedad last weekend. The official reason was stomach problems.
Reputation stock
The day after reaching rumor mill new highs when it became known that Messi “followed” Chelsea and two of their players, Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luís, on the social media Instagram.
Media in Catalonia reported then that Messi had been meeting with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and demanded that team must get a new coach.
– I am grateful for the opportunity to present my side of the case, said Messi Sunday.
– This hurts me because it comes from here, from Barcelona, from people who love the club or say that they do it. It does not come from Madrid, as in prior cases. They are looking for rivalry between Luis Enrique and me, but it does not exist.
Messi appealed to Barcelona supporters to get behind the team.
– We must stand together more than ever, fans and us. We have six important months ahead of us where we can achieve great things for ourselves and the club, he said.
Good match
About it was sown doubt Luis Enrique’s position, it was largely removed with the team perhaps best achievement in his seven-month period as coach.
Messi played forward Neymar to a goal in the 12 minutes and served then Luis Suárez his second goal in La Liga. Messi was involved also when Atletico Madrid reduced, since he caused penalty Mario Mandzukic traded in goal.
The Argentinian made amends by setting result three minutes before the end. Barcelona is thus still only one point behind Real Madrid, who have played a game less.
– This victory has special value because it came against a direct rival in the league, said Suárez .
– The confidence in the team is good. It’s great to play with Messi and Neymar, as with all my teammates. We obtained a great victory today. (NTB)
MATCH FACTS
Barcelona – Atletico Madrid 3-1 ( 2-0)
Objective: 1-0 Neymar (12), 2-0 Luis Suarez (35), 2-1 Mario Mandzukic (str. 57), 3-1 Lionel Messi (87).
81 658 spectators.
No comments:
Post a Comment