Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Have La Liga sides become more fearless against Barcelona post Lionel Messi exit? Ronald Koeman clarifies

Lionel Messi has done the impossible by leaving Barcelona. Meanwhile, it seems like the La Liga sides are showing more resilience against Barca, as head coach Ronald Koeman has clarified.

Have La Liga sides become more fearless against Barcelona post Lionel Messi exit? Ronald Koeman clarifies-ayh
Author
Bilbao, First Published Aug 23, 2021, 11:54 AM IST

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has finally left Barcelona and has travelled to France to play for Paris Saint-Germain. While it was said that Barca would never be the same without him, it is somewhat turning out to be true.

Furthermore, it seems like the sides are starting to show more resilience and determination against the side. Although Barca won its opening game against Real Sociedad (4-2), it settled for a competitive 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao.

During the post-match press conference, reports Goal, Barca head coach Ronald Koeman admitted the same by saying that Messi was one of the best in the world and the opposing sides were scared of facing Barca during his time. When the ball was passed to Messi, he hardly lost it, while that's not the case now, and the difference is evident.

ALSO READ: Lionel Messi's tissue from Barcelona's farewell press conference up for sale for $1 million

Have La Liga sides become more fearless against Barcelona post Lionel Messi exit? Ronald Koeman clarifies-ayh

Speaking on the game against Bilbao, Koeman admitted that he had no second thoughts on the result, and he gave enough credit to the opponent for displaying a great fighting spirit. As per him, Barca made things too difficult for itself. He admitted that the players should deal in short passes more, starting from the goalkeeper.

He feels that his side was not calm in the opening 15 minutes and displayed too much aggression. But, he admitted that Bilbao played at the highest level, realising that it is difficult to win at Bilbao's ground.

Meanwhile, Messi signed for PSG a couple of weeks back, while he is yet to make his debut, as he is training hard with the side to gain match fitness. He is expected to make his debut next week in the away game against Reims.
 
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios