Lionel Messi makes big demands from Barcelona after Super Cup fiasco
Barcelona have been asked to make major changes by Lionel Messi, who is clearly unhappy with the club after their latest results.
Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona by a 3-2 margin in the Spanish Super Cup’s semi-final on Thursday evening, courtesy of goals from Koke, Morata and Correa. The Catalans were the dominant force in the match but lacked in two decisive aspects- finishing and defending. The problems of months ago persisted for Valverde’s side and there isn’t much to dwell on now.
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El Desmarque has claimed that Lionel Messi has grown furious with the dressing room and club’s board over the team’s form of late in spite of backing Ernesto Valverde in his post-match interview. The Argentina international has now placed a few demands in front of his seniors which he hopes would go his way during the summer.
First and foremost, the Barcelona captain does not want Ernesto Valverde to continue beyond this summer. Right now, Barca don’t have a reliable option to land as Valverde’s replacement and perhaps, that’s the reason they are not firing him. But following the season, there will be a few options in the market and most importantly, Ronald Koeman.
Secondly, Lionel Messi has asked Barca to focus on strengthening their weaker positions which he has previously asked- right back and left wing. At right back, the Catalans have failed in replacing Dani Alves ever since he departed while since Neymar’s exit, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho have both failed to make an impact.
Joshua Kimmich is the preferred option at right back for Messi, so with Philippe Coutinho probably heading to Bayern Munich in the summer, Barca may push for a swap deal. That being said, Kimmich’s worth of roughly 65 million euros would see them cash in on 80 million euros through Coutinho’s likely sale.
Neymar is also expected to push for an exit from Paris Saint-Germain, who will reportedly sell him for nothing less than 250 million euros. The Brazilian is looked at as his successor by Messi, but whether the Blaugrana can actually afford to sign him following their recent investments remains to be seen.
Next. Barca told to sign Madrid target by Valverde's successor. dark
Do you think these changes would help Barca get back to their usual position?