Koeman: I have no problems managing Messi

FILE – Barcelona’s Dutch coach Ronald Koeman looks on during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 4, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)

Ronald Koeman has denied suggestions Lionel Messi is difficult to manage, insisting he has a good relationship with Barcelona’s captain.

In an interview published in El Pais on Sunday, former Barca coach Quique Setien said he found it hard to handle Messi during his brief spell in charge last season.

“There are players that aren’t easy to manage, and Leo is one of them,” Setien said. “I can’t do anything if those at the club have accepted him for how he is and haven’t changed him for years.”

But Koeman defended Messi when Setien’s comments were put to him in a press conference on Tuesday.

“Everyone has their opinion and I respect that but I can only say that Messi is a very, very good player, the best in the world. I see his ambition, his character 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.

“I don’t agree (with Setien) but I respect his opinion and what he has experienced.”

Barcelona face Dinamo Kiev on Wednesday in the Champions League, where their strong start in Group G has brought some relief from their poor form in La Liga.

Koeman’s side sits top of the group after beating Juventus and Ferencvaros but in La Liga, they are 12th, having not won any of their last four games.

“I understand the criticism. Two points from the last four games is not good and it is normal for criticism to come. I accept it and keep working to improve things,” said Koeman.

Koeman also said goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is in contention to return after recovering from a knee injury.

“He’s been training with us for almost a week. He looks well,” said Koeman.

Dinamo Kiev has taken only a point from their first two Champions League games and could be weakened at Camp Nou, after six players tested positive for coronavirus on Monday.

“It influences their quality but we saw last week that Shakhtar (Donetsk) came with players out and they beat Real Madrid,” said Koeman. “We can’t expect them to be impacted too much.”