Barcelona captain and star Lionel Messi have been on a run of lackluster form in the current season having not scored a single goal from open play. Ronald Koeman is similarly upset with the lack of finishing in the attacking front without a proper striker in the first team squad.
Lionel Messi had a tough start to the new season for Barcelona
Messi’s form has a direct impact on the results of Barcelona who picked up only five points in the last five games. Messi is no more involved in a creative role as the pressure on him has been reduced by the inclusion of Philippe Coutinho and Miralem Pjanic in the midfield.
Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien fired some shots against Lionel Messi describing him ‘difficult to manage’. He does consider the best player in the world but it is the will of the player which makes him difficult to handle in situations. Setien also said he did not impose or force him to do anything and let him be himself during his tenure. However, the ex-Betis boss could not bring any silverware to Camp Nou during his time a the club. Instead, Barca record one of the heaviest defeats in the history of the club which led him to be sacked with immediate effect.
Rakitic responds to Setien’s comments
Former Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic had his say over Setien’s inappropriate remark as he easily ‘got along’ with Leo upon his arrival from Sevilla back in 2014, as per Marca. Rakitic realizes the importance of the six-time Balon D’or winner at Barcelona and commented on how to take care of him. He says Leo is a player who can make a difference in a match and so other players have to take care in a special way. The Sevilla midfield maestro also questioned if they will be ever able to see a player as brilliant as Messi in the future.
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Rakitic returned to his former club in the summer transfer window but still associates himself with Barcelona with his stay at the Blaugrana. Barcelona has failed to respect players just like Luis Suarez who was sold to Atletico Madrid unexpectedly without a proper farewell. The way Josep Maria Bartomeu dealt with Messi’s transfer request in one of the concerns but the fans will be happy with the resignation of the board under Bartomeu. Lionel Messi will look forward to recapturing his stellar form as form is temporary but class is permanent.
