Ronald Koeman addresses Barcelona youngster, Riqui Puig.
It is no secret that Ronald Koeman has a difficult relationship with La Masia graduate Riqui Puig. The 21-year-old midfielder is currently in the bad books of his manager and is thus finding it hard to get game time. In fairness, the manager did say at the beginning of the season that Puig would not be used too much. Now he has sent another message to the young player, warning him that his current position might not get better soon.
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Riqui Puig, who is a talented midfielder who shows a lot of skills and flair with the ball, has been outcast by Koman. The Dutch manager had warned the player earlier as well and told him that he should be looking for a club to go on loan to. The Spaniard, however, wished to stay and fight for his place in the club.
Koeman stayed true to his words and only played Puig for a total of 78 minutes in all competitions till now. This is severely hampering his development as a player of his talent needs regular playing time. Should the midfielder stay after January, it would mean that he would effectively be out of the field for a whole season.
His manager suggested once again that the young players should try to go on loans. In the press conferences, prior to Saturday’s game, Koeman said,
"“[Sporting director Ramon Planes] has told the players who we don’t think will get many minutes that they would be best looking for an exit but ultimately it will be their decision,”Source Sport"
He went on to say that he will not be giving specific names but there are many young talents in Barcelona who should be looking for a move away. These comments are very obviously directed towards Puig. The midfielder has been linked with AC Milan and Arsenal and a move to either one of the two giants would definitely help build back his confidence. Right now, sitting on the benches, he is just wasting his potential and it would be foolish of him to not take his chance to go out on a loan.
Would you like to see Puig continue to fight for his spot or leave on a loan deal?