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Lionel Messi’s favourite not in Barcelona manager’s future plans

By Atharva Khadilkar

(L-R) Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, coach Ernesto Valverde of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at at the BVB stadium on September 17, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
(L-R) Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, coach Ernesto Valverde of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at at the BVB stadium on September 17, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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One of Barcelona’s star players does not seem to be in Ernesto Valverde’s plans and Lionel Messi could enter to keep him in the fray.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has several headaches to deal with such as pulling out results from an underperforming side and keeping some superstars happy, especially in the frontline. Occasionally, the former Athletic Bilbao boss has managed to fulfil the former, but keeping all of his star men happy doesn’t seem to be Valverde’s cup of tea.

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Lionel Messi’s favourite Ansu Fati could be on the move as he is not part of the Barca manager’s plans, Fox Sports has revealed recently. The 16 year old burst onto the scene and instantly became a favourite at the Camp Nou after filling in superbly well during Messi’s injury layoff period. Ernesto Valverde is thought to be favouring Ousmane Dembele over Ansu Fati.

Messi has recently revealed in an interview that he is a big fan of the Guinean youngster, and by the wordings of his talk, the Argentina international probably sees the forward as his successor in the longer run. While speaking to the media last month, the all-time top goal scorer of the Catalan side said:

"“I like him and I’ll try to help him. He is a fantastic player and has what it takes to succeed. But if I look through my eyes, I would like him to have a gradual participation, as happened to me when I started. It must be remembered that he is only 16 years old. I was helped a lot by Ronaldinho and Rijkaard. In fact, the whole team did it in their own way. Rijkaard left me out of some games and I was angry, but that’s something that I can understand now that I’m older, and I am grateful to him.”"

Given that Lionel Messi has a massive say in things at the Camp Nou, it would not come as a surprise if he intervenes and stops Ansu Fati’s planned sale by Ernesto Valverde. Also, the bigger question that needs answering in the Barca offices and is demanded an answer by the club’s fanbase is whether Ernesto Valverde is going to stay in the long term or not.

Ernesto Valverde does not do much grace to this Barcelona side, but he is certainly right in picking some experienced players ahead of the younger crop and given that there are many experienced players like Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann in the squad as well, a loan move for Ansu Fati seems in the best interests of both- club and player.

Next. Barcelona make Messi's national teammate priority for winter. dark

How many appearances do you think Ansu Fati would make for the Blaugrana this season?

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