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Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman insists he is not “the villain of this movie” after Lionel Messi criticized the club for the way Luis Suárez came out.
Forward Suarez joined Atlético de Madrid on a two-year contract on Friday, leaving Barça after 198 goals in six seasons at the club.
It had become clear to the Uruguayan that he had no future at Barca shortly after Koeman’s arrival last month, and the Dutchman was also tasked with sending other senior members of the team, including Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal.
Messi, who had his own transfer problems at Barca this summer, was furious that his close friend Suarez was told to leave with a year remaining on his contract, and criticized the club for “kicking out” the forward in an emotional post on Instagram. on Friday.
(Image: CORDON / PA Images)
Former Barça stars Neymar, Samuel Eto’o and Dani Alves reacted to that position by supporting their former teammate, and Koeman was asked about the saga at his press conference on Saturday, when he blamed the club’s board.
“It seems that I have been the villain of this movie,” said the Dutchman.
“But before arriving here, some decisions had already been made and I supported them, it was not up to me.
“I only showed respect to Luis Suárez as a person and as a player. I told him that if he stayed it would be difficult for him to play but that he would be part of the squad. “
(Image: Alejandro García / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock)
On Messi’s state of mind in particular, he added: “It’s normal for Messi to be sad when a friend of his leaves the club.
“But Leo has been an example for everyone in training and in games.
“He doesn’t go through a training session where he hasn’t shown great commitment. I have no doubt about him.”
Was Barça right to sell Suárez? Give your opinion in the comments below.
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