LIGA - Barcelona: Ronald Koeman regrets Messi's departure

More than ever, having Messi in their ranks meant a certain demand among Catalan players. Because the Argentine star feels a rejection of defeat, even in training. A lost opposition, and the tension could be guessed on the face of the Pulga.

A state of mind highlighted and praised by Koeman in his interview with the Dutch media. This requirement seems to have indeed disappeared since the departure of the main protagonist to PSG, which clearly regretted by the former manager of Everton. The latter also remembers the coronation of FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey last season. A moment that will remain engraved in stone for Ronald Koeman as Lionel Messi savored this new trophy.

“He was an example for the players. When we won the cup… Messi won so many trophies, bigger than this one, but you could feel the Copa del Rey really meant doing something for him this time around. With these young players there, he saw the future of the club. All these guys wanted to take a picture with him, I've never seen anything like it. He was and is so humble. The fact that he is no longer there now was a shock for everyone,” concedes the Blaugrana coach. Facing Cadiz on Thursday, the Dutch coach is clearly playing his future on the bench of FC Barcelona. And unfortunately for him, Lionel Messi will not be there to grant him an additional reprieve.