Ronald Koeman will leave the Messi saga in the hands of the club

Ronald Koeman will leave the Messi saga in the hands of the club

Koeman: A Messi le queda un año de contrato / | FC Barcelona

The new Barça manager met with Messi but will leave the current situation for the club to sort out

One of the first things the new Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman did was meet with Lionel Messi and talk about his project for the club. The Dutchman attempted to convince Leo of his plans to make Barça a formidable force in Europe again. However, Messi was still hurt following the 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich and feels his time at Barça has come to an end.

Koeman did his part. He wants Messi as part of his team, as he said in his presentation, and met with his star man - and club captain - at the earliest opportunity.

Messi took a few more days to consider his options before sending a burofax informing Barça of his decision to leave the club. Koeman believes the current situation must be resolved by the board of directors and not him.

No other meeting planned

Koeman won't meet with Messi again because there's nothing more he can add since the previous chat. He wants Leo to lead his project, should he stay, but doesn't believe it is his place to convince him to stay. 

As things stand, Messi is determined to abandon the Camp Nou this summer. This decision has nothing to do with Koeman's appointment as manager. Bartomeu has offered to resign if Messi wants to stay but that might not be enough to turn the situation around. Koeman, for now, must plan for building a team without Messi.

Return from Holland  

Ronald Koeman will return today after spending a few days in Holland. He needed a revision after suffering from slight heart pain during the lockdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

It's a tough situation for Koeman to deal with as he returns not knowing whether he will have his star player available for selection next season. It's also understandable the unrest and indecision could spread throughout the changing room.

Captains

Koeman is desperate to start working - and getting to know - his new team. Aside from Leo, Koeman also spoke with Sergio Busquets and the Spaniard could be promoted to club captain if Messi departs. The new manager will be keen to speak with the other captains at the club, Pique and Roberto, as they look to lift the gloom surrounding Barça.

The first team squad will undertake PCR tests on Sunday before preseason training begins on Monday.

Topics with the letter