Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman has rejected a claim by his predecessor, Quique Setien, that the club’s captain, Lionel Messi, is difficult to manage.
Setien who was fired in August had spoken about his relationship with Messi when he granted his first interview since leaving the club.
“There are players that aren’t easy to manage, and Leo is one of them,” he told El Pais.
“I can’t do anything if those at the club have accepted him for how he is and haven’t changed him for years.”
Setien’s opinion was put forward to Koeman while speaking at a press conference.
“Everyone has their opinion and I respect that but I can only say that Messi is a very, very good player, the best in the world. I see his ambition, his character but he is not a player I have difficulty managing.
“Every coach is different but for me he is the captain and I talk to him every week about things in the dressing room and on the pitch and there is a good relationship.
“I don’t agree (with Setien) but I respect his opinion and what he has experienced,” he said.
