Ronald Koeman: There willl be a before and after Lionel Messi in football history
The Everton coach spoke to Sport and reserved high praise for the best player ever
Koeman watched Messi in the Clasico and was mightily impressed by him
Everton manager Ronald Koeman spoke exclusively to SPORT. Here are some of the key quotes from the interview.
Are you surprised by the incredibly high level of form Lionel Messi is at, week after week?
“I admire Messi deeply. He’s not just the best footballer of all time, but that 10, 20 years will pass and there will not be another like him.”
You’ve seen and played with a lot of cracks…
“Yes, but none like this. Do you know how much it’s worth to play for so many years at this level? He’s scored 500 goals and been so decisive so many times, it deserves to be looked at differently.”
Did you see the last Clasico?
Of course! I was impressed with the team and Leo particularly. It was one of those games where we can say that he won it when he wanted to. It’s unfair to say that, I know, but what Leo did in the Burnaby was historic.”
How will life without Messi be for Barcelona?
“Ooooh. The coach will have to run his squad in that period looking at every part separately, for what Messi brings. I know it’s nearly impossible but they will have to make a lot of effort and get a lot of different profiles. There will be a before and after Messi at Barça and in the history of football.”
