What An Ex-Barca Boss Said About 'Difficult' Messi
12 January, 2022
With Lionel Messi being accused of disrespecting Mauricio Pochettino, comments one of his former Barcelona managers once made about how difficult can be have emerged.
The 34-year-old was recently accused of making life hard for his boss at Paris Saint-Germain after it was said that he did not inform Pochettino of his positive Covid-19 test in Argentina.
Former PSG and France winger Jerome Rothen was critical of Messi’s behaviour, saying: "If you don't respect your coach then you cannot be successful. PSG has suffered a lot from this in recent years."
While he has since returned to Paris, this has not been the first time that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is thought to have proved difficult to manage.
Earlier this season, after Pochettino substituted Messi in a Ligue 1 game, the former Barcelona man left the field appearing confused before seemingly refusing to shake hands with his coach.
His reaction caused massive controversy in France which led to Pochettino being forced to field several questions about his relationship with the 2021 Copa America winner. In Spain, ex-Blaugrana boss Quique Setien, who lasted just six months in the position made a few interesting remarks on what it is like to work with the four-time UEFA Champions League victor.
"I think Messi is the best of all time," he told El Pais.
"There have been other great players who have been great, but the continuity that this boy has had throughout the years has not been had by anyone.
"Leo is difficult to manage. Who am I to change him! If they have accepted him as he is for years and have not changed him.
"There's another facet beyond just the player and it's more difficult to manage. Much more difficult.
"It's something inherent in many athletes that can be seen in the Michael Jordan documentary (The Last Dance). You see things you don't expect.
"He's very reserved but he makes you see the things that he wants. He doesn't talk much."
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za