Barça coach Koeman comes out in defence of captain Leo Messi

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's game against Real Betis. The Dutchman spoke, among other things, about Lionel Messi's form and his commitment to the team. 

"Leo is a great player and we want him on the pitch where he can do damage," Koeman said. "He is very important, especially in attack, and he's already played different positions, like false nine or on the win. We believe in him and he always creates problems for the opposition." 

As for the Argentine's mood, Koeman said: "He is in good spirits, strong, always enjoying this sport. He's demonstrating a lot and like any player, he has difficult moments or times when the ball doesn't go in, but he's very involved in what we do." 

On the criticism of Messi's intensity when it comes to pressing, Koeman was clear: "You can get an image of anyone walking and it doesn't interest me. I have not seen him walking. If you want to stir up controversy, that's your problem, but I am not in agreement."