Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman says Paris Saint-Germain talk of Lionel Messi “too much” and dismiss Angel Di Maria’s latest comments on him as disrespectful.
Speaking after PSG’s 3-0 win over Nimes on Wednesday, Di Maria said there was a “huge chance” that his Argentine team-mate Messi would make the move to Paris on a free transfer when his contract expires. in the summer.
Barca host PSG in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie on February 16 and Koeman feels that is another reason to keep the French club quiet.
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“To me, [Di Maria has shown] lack of respect, “Koeman said in a press conference after the Barca side beat Granada 5-3 after extra time to reach the semifinal Copa del Rey.
“It’s not an honor to talk so much about someone who is still a Barca player. It’s not good. It is a mistake to say something like that; it could add more spice to his Champions League game.
“It simply came to our notice then. [PSG] talk about Leo too. He plays for Barca and on top of that, we have a two-legged connection against them coming up. “
Di Maria’s comments follow from Neymar, PSG team player and sports director Leonardo in speaking openly about the pursuit of Ligue 1 champions on Messi, who wanted to leave Barca last summer.
Neymar said in December that he hopes to play alongside his former Barca team again next season and PSG sports director Leonardo confirmed that the club is interested in Messi earlier this month.
Messi, 33, has said he will wait until the end of the season before deciding where he is in the future. He said in an interview in December that he would not take advantage of being able to talk to other clubs.
He was involved in Barca on Wednesday as they conceded two goals down to beat Granada in a thrush of eight goals to keep their Copa del Rey campaign alive.
A goal of their own from goalkeeper Aaron Escandell and boss Jordi Alba brought the game to a time out, where Antoine Griezmann and Fede Vico scored goals to keep the scores going into the final 15 minutes.
A late effort from Frenkie de Jong and a second goal for Scotland showed the win in dramatic conditions.
“It’s unbelievable,” Koeman said. “Football is amazing. I think we did well. We had chances to put things right before we finally did. The team was great.
“From 2-0 down the team’s mind was brilliant. We didn’t give up despite bad luck – three times off the woodwork, I don’t know how many saves … We deserved to win.”
Griezmann, in addition to scoring one, set three of the goals while continuing to his very early start until 2021.
“With Griezmann playing like this we are even more dangerous,” said Koeman.