Ronald Koeman is not yet concerned about a possible departure of Lionel Messi from Barcelona. According to TNT Sports Brasil the Argentinian playmaker has received an ‘unbeatable’ offer from Paris Saint-Germain. The Barcelona coach, however, is not guided by all kinds of rumors in the transfer world, even though Messi has the option to leave the club with a transfer-free status this summer.
“It doesn’t really interest me. I don’t know if it’s true,” said Koeman on Wednesday at the press conference in the run-up to Thursday night’s home game against Granada. “In addition, I hope so Leo choose a longer stay with us, we have emphasized that before. I really think it should stop here, because he has been associated with Barcelona all his life. And Lionel has to make a decision in the end. However, I am not worried at all. What only counts now is winning tomorrow’s game. We’ll see what happens at the end of the season “, Koeman emphasizes once again.
The title fight in LaLiga is still in full swing, but Koeman is nevertheless looking forward to next season. Whether the Barcelona coach can strengthen the selection during the summer transfer market is still the question, however. “As a coach I am always working on making my team stronger, but everything stands or falls with the financial situation of the club. The club and the chairman (Joan Laporta, ed.) Always have the final say. Ramón Planes and Mateu Alemany we look at what the team needs in terms of reinforcements.
Koeman uses Wednesday’s press moment to give Antoine Griezmann a helping hand. The French attacker was especially criticized in the early stages of this season, but his trainer remains confident in his qualities. “I spoke with him extensively last summer. There has indeed been criticism of Antoine, but as a team player I have rated him highly. He has been unlucky, but his self-confidence is already a lot higher. A goal like against Villarreal. (the first, a lob over the keeper, ed.) You don’t make it if you don’t have confidence. Antoine is doing well at the moment and that is only positive for the team “, said the satisfied Koeman.
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