Messi’s relation with Bartomeu “not good”, says Menotti
Argentina's World-Cup winning coach Cesar Luis Menotti says that Lionel Messi's relationship with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is strained.
Bartomeu was reportedly wanting to set up a gathering with Messi and conspicuously skipped yesterday's presentation for new signing Francisco Trincao -- appearing only in a one-minute clip on social media platforms to welcome him.
"I know from close persons that his relationship with the club president isn't good. It seems to be a general discomfort. I have no idea why, it's a topic it doesn't concern me. It gives the impression that to begin with, Messi doesn't need the president and the president doesn't need Messi."
Menotti, who lifted the 1978 World Cup with La Albiceleste, also said Barcelona changing coaches so frequently was the problem.
"You can lose because someone plays much better than you. The problem in Barcelona is that it cannot discover a way to operate. The changes of coaches… it really is rare that that so many coaches have changed in recent times. The arrival of Koeman, who knows Barcelona and was champion, was going to bring reassurance but for him devoid of Messi will be a problem.
"There is absolutely no doubt what Messi can contribute to a football team. But Messi, like any great player, requires a team. Football is going via an uncomfortable situation as a result of virus. Uncomfortable for everyone. I am hoping the National Team can train by rehearsing. I wish Messi was training with the Argentine National Team but he can't. Hopefully this example will be resolved as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, the mayor of Barcelona expressed her wish that "everything possible be achieved in order that Messi remains at Barça".
"We must respect the inner work of the club that's organised since it considers appropriate but I believe I express a collective sentiment easily say that people hope that everything possible is done in order that Messi can continue," Ada Colau said at a press conference. "Messi is the foremost player on the globe, he has generated himself at Barca and is almost inseparable from Barca.
"Barca is a team that identifies our city and for all of us a source of pride, one of the primary ambassadors and that is why we always wish them the best," she said.
