Ronald Koeman bashes 'Messi haters'

Ronald Koeman shuts 'Messi haters' by heaping praise for the Barcelona legend after a video of the latter strolling the pitch against Dynamov Kiev went viral 

Recently after Barcelona's edgy win over Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League group stages, a video went viral that showed Lionel Messi not reacting to an opposition player running past him.

The reason for the video getting so many views was rather a message suggesting that Messi isn't interested in playing for the Catalans anymore.

The ex-Netherlands boss took no time in clearing the air and clearly objected blatant spread of baseless rumors.

Messi had more shots and chances created as compared to any player in the game but in the game but what made people doubt him was a player of his calibre losing possession for the maximum times in the game.

Koeman, when asked about it, said, "If you want to start a controversy around this point, it's your problem. Messi is mentally good, enjoying the sport. He's a winner and sometimes you go through moments when the ball doesn't go in, but he looks really focused on that subject."

"I think Messi has so many qualities. He's very important in our game. You said the 93rd minute, there are pictures of anyone, of me when I'm sitting down or annoyed. It seems we should be more aware of our image than our work. I don't agree with that."

He was also questioned about veteran winger Joaquin's comment on him that he wouldn't even hire Koeman as a kit man. The Barcelona boss responded by saying,"I understand its a really interesting topic for you. If he speaks it's his problem . I'm focused on the game and not individual things that happened many years ago."

Well, Ronald Koeman was certainly correct as Messi finally scored from an open play this season and completed his brace, first of which was a penalty as the cules ripped apart Real Betis, 5-2 in La Liga.

The game also witnessed another unusual moment regarding the Argentine as he was benched for the first time in over a year.

Featured image credits- metro.co.uk