Ronald Koeman: “Leo Messi's anger towards Bartomeu made a big difference for sure, it left a big mark. But Messi dealt with it professionally, he did not talk about his unwillingness to play or train, but rather made a big effort during training and matches.”

THREAD

Ronald Koeman: "Even though Leo was angry at Bartomeu, he never showed that he did not want to work with me, neither during training/games nor when I shared my ideas with him. Leo Messi has always given 100% for Barça."

Koeman: "Leo Messi definitely wants to have pure and special footballers next to him, and he is happy with De Jong. He told Frenkie that he is a fantastic player, a very smart player who can reach much higher levels."

Koeman: "It did not happen to me for a single moment that Leo Messi did not want to join me in my project; neither during training nor during matches, nor when it came to developing my ideas."

Koeman: "I also include the 4 captains in my tactical meetings, they are the ones who protect Barça's culture. They find it important that if someone joins from outside, they have to show normal behavior towards the team. Whoever does not agree will not arrive in Barcelona."

Koeman: “When I arrived at Barça, I told Frenkie: ‘this is your 2nd season here, you have to take a step forward: no more mistakes! You need to do more than just play along.' This sounds rude, but he knew what I meant. I told him to take on more responsibilities.”

Koeman: “I asked Frenkie to arrive more in the opponent’s box. I told him: ‘You are an important player, you can play in different positions, but you also have to move forward’.”

Koeman: “When Messi, de Jong and I talk to each other, Leo shares his opinion to Frenkie. He always tries to ‘activate’ him, as Leo believes that Frenkie is a great player and can reach a much higher level. He considers Frenkie very intelligent."

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