Man City boss Pep Guardiola has reiterated his admiration for Lionel Messi as speculation about the pair’s potential reunion at Etihad Stadium continues to mount.
What did Guardiola say about Messi?
The Barcelona star has long been hailed as a potential signing for Pep, who knows the Argentinean well from the time he worked at Camp Nou. Lionel has yet to confirm his future at Barca, although the club remains hopeful that he will not leave this summer. In an interview with former Italian stars Daniele Adani, Antonio Cassano and Christian Vieri, Pep Guardiola said that Lionel Messi is very strong, the strongest. Besides his quality, this is his mentality, his head. In four years, Barcelona have played many games in training, and he has not lost even one. If Messi had lost, he would have left. He has that competitive mentality that only four or five players in history have, they have something different. According to Guardiola, they all knew Lionel was the best, but then there were six or seven others who were strong and others didn’t play because others were so strong.
Koeman hopes Messi will stay
While Lionel’s desire to leave Camp Nou last summer in the wake of his 8-2 Champions League rumble at Bayern Munich has been rebutted, he makes little sound about what he will be doing from June onwards. In a recent interview with Argentine newspaper Ole, he praised Barca’s young roster and christened the Copa del Rey’s victory this season as a turning point, while stating his intention to win more titles – although he did not specify exactly where. In case he decides to leave City, it appears to be a natural alternative for the 33-year-old, due to his relationship with Pep and the club’s ability to match his astronomical salary. Coach Ronald Koeman hopes to stay at Camp Nou. Roman, asked by reporters if Lionel will still be there next season, said he hoped Messi would continue here for many years. Lionel is a unique player and professional. If he doesn’t stay, Barca will have to coach other players and be effective with other players. Lev has scored 30 goals this season, with him the team went much further.