CAMPERS HAPPY
Ron relaxed over Leo future
RONALD KOEMAN says speculation over Lionel Messi’s future is not proving a distraction for Barcelona.
Messi is now into the final six months of his contract and has revealed he will not decide his future until the end of the campaign.
Manchester City are among the favourites to sign Argentine star Messi, who looked set to leave the Nou Camp before performing a U-turn in the summer.
And Barca boss Koeman said: “Like any player who is finishing their contract, he is free to decide what he wants.
“He’s proved he wants the best for this team and I have no problem with him not making his decision now. We aren’t feeling nervous or worried about it.”
Messi has recovered from an ankle injury and is ready to take on Huesca tonight as Barcelona aim to get their stuttering La Liga season back on track.
Koeman conceded Barca’s title hopes were in tatters following a surprise 1-1 draw at home to Eibar last time out.
Messi – Barca’s all-time top scorer – watched on helplessly from the empty stands as his side struggled against the minnows.
Koeman said his captain had been working overtime to prove his fitness.
“Messi is in good shape, he trained on December 30 and 31, even when his team-mates had days off, and he’s not feeling any discomfort any more,” said Koeman.
“He’s ready, he’s feeling happy and very determined and that’s very important for us.”
Koeman admitted Barca cannot afford any further slip-ups if they are to make up ground on the Madrid rivals who are setting the pace. He said: “I’m a realist when it comes to our chances of winning the league.
“We cannot afford to drop many more points, and as Atletico Madrid are so consistent it’s very difficult for us. Each point lost is another chance gone.”
While Messi returns, Barca will be without Philippe Coutinho after a knee injury ruled the exLiverpool star out for three months. The Brazilian is the fourth player Koeman has lost to a long-term injury after Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto.
“We will keep working with what we have, but we have lost important players of real quality,” added the Dutch coach.