Coach refuses to get into Messi row
BARCELONA: Barcelona coach Quique Setien said he would not get involved in “Lionel Messi’s life” after the Argentine superstar became entangled in a row with the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal.
Messi hit back at Abidal on Tuesday after the Frenchman had earlier blamed slackness in the dressing room for the departure of recently-fired boss Ernesto Valverde. In an interview with Spanish newspaper Sport, Abidal said under Valverde, who was fired in mid-january, many players had been unhappy, had not worked hard enough and had not communicated properly.
“I’m not going to get into Messi’s life, or anyone’s life,” said Setien, who replaced Valverde.
“What interests me is football, everything else are situations that I will not be able to control, therefore I do not sweat on it,” the 61-year-old added.
Setien denied he had spoken individually to the Argentina star about the incident but said it had been briefly discussed in a training session by the squad.
Messi signed his last contract extension in 2017, with his current deal running through to next year but reportedly containing a clause that could allow him to quit Barcelona in June.
Former Real Betis boss Setien said Messi’s behaviour remained the same despite the falling out with Abidal. “I have seen him smiling, I have seen him looking happy, he loves to come to training,” Setien said.
SON PENALTY SAVES LUCKY TOTTENHAM
LONDON:JOSE Mourinho admitted Tottenham got lucky after Son Heung-min’s late penalty secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Southampton in FA Cup fourth-round replay.
Mourinho’s side were 12 minutes away from being knocked out after squandering the firsthalf lead given to them by Jack Stephens’ own goal.
Shane Long and Danny Ings scored as Southampton hit back to take the lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But Lucas Moura equalised before Son won and converted the decisive penalty with just two minutes left.
“I have to be honest and say I think the best team lost on the pitch but my team were the ones with more heart and went to their limit,” Mourinho said. “Southampton were fresher than us but we played with our souls and heart and gave absolutely everything.”
LEWANDOWSKI BRACE WINS IT FOR BAYERN
MUNIC:BAYERN Munich’s insatiable striker Robert Lewandowski scored twice as they saw off fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim 4-3 at home to reach the quarterfinals of the German Cup.
Saarbrucken also reached the last eight of the competition after overcoming second-tier Karlsruher 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw after extra time.