Ronald Koeman, Barcelona’s new coach, has spoken about Lionel Messi’s future at the club, saying he doesn’t know if he will have to convince the player to remain.
57-year-old Koeman signed a two-year deal with Barca just two days after the club’s former manager, Quique Setien, was sacked.
Following the club’s failure to win a trophy last season, Messi’s stay at the Spanish side has been in doubt.
Speaking about the Messi, Koeman said:
“He’s still got a contract and is still a Barcelona player. At this point, I need to speak to him because he is the captain. We need to work with him and speak with various players. We need to make some decisions but in Messi’s case, I hope he stays with us.
I don’t know if I have to convince Messi [to stay], whether it’s that or not. He is the best player in the world and the best player in the world you want in your team, you don’t want him playing against you.
As a coach, I would love to work with Messi because he wins matches. If he’s at the ability and level he has always shown I’d be more than happy for him to stay.”
