Lionel Messi has hit out at Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal over comments he has made in an interview with Sport regarding the decision to sack Ernesto Valverde.
Abidal has said Barca started to look at replacements after December’s 0-0 Clasico draw with Real Madrid and also added that “many players weren’t satisfied or working a lot and there was also an internal communication problem.”
That has not gone down well with the Barcelona captain, who has taken to Instagram stories to make his thoughts on the matter clear.
Messi responds to Abidal re: Valverde’s sacking: “I think everyone has to be responsible for their own jobs and take responsibility for their decisions... when you talk about players, you should give names because if not, you’re feeding things that people say and aren’t true” pic.twitter.com/nYDSPyY515
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) February 4, 2020
Here’s what he said in full:
“I honestly do not like doing these things, but I think everyone has to be responsible for their tasks and take care of their decisions. The players are responsible for what happens on the pitch and we are also the first to recognise when we’re not doing well.
”Those responsible for the sports management must also assume their responsibilities and, above all, take ownership of the decisions they make. Finally, I think that when talking about players, names should be given. Because if not then we are tarred with comments that are said and are not true.”
Messi’s comments are the latest action of a dramatic day for Barcelona. The club have confirmed Ousmane Dembele has suffered another injury, there have been reports Messi is playing through a thigh problem, and now the GOAT has called out the board.