Lionel Messi outlines new Barcelona plan after losing out on La Liga title

Football
By Mirror | Jul 20, 2020
La Liga Santander - Deportivo Alaves v FC Barcelona - Estadio Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain - July 19, 2020 Barcelona's Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) [REUTERS/Vincent West]

Lionel Messi has called for calm at Barcelona to save another Liverpool situation in the Champions League.

The Barcelona superstar was furious following his side's 2-1 defeat by Osasuna, which helped Real Madrid to a thirty fourth La Liga title.

The Argentine hit out at the way Barcelona have capitulated in recent performances, highlighting big defeats by Liverpool and Roma in Europe as prime examples.

Messi also claimed Barcelona could suffer a similar fate this season and crash out of the Champions League at the hands of Napoli in the round of 16 if they are not careful.

Since making his comments, Messi has had some time to cool off and is now calling on his team-mates to be calm and to turn things around by impressing in the Champions League.

"I think we need a little calm now, this break, to clean our heads and come back with more desire than ever," he said.

"We have said everything that needed to be said, we've been self-critical.

"Now it's time to work hard and give our all. There's nothing left to talk about, we just have to show that things can change and today was an important step forward in that."

On Barcelona's consistency, he added: "It's a big moment because we're going to be playing for something important.

"You don't need to have the captain's armband on to realise what we've done (this season). We're all conscious of the fact we have to be much more consistent.

"As the coach said the other day, there were games when we were very good in spells, but we have to maintain that over 90 minutes and in all games."

 

Share this story
Experienced Okello, Chajira named in Kenya Lionesses squad for Rugby Africa Cup
Kenya Lionesses have named an experienced squad featuring Janet Okello and Sheila Chajira for the Rugby Africa Cup as they aim to improve on their previous runner-up finish.
McCarthy set for emotional South Africa reunion after AFCON Draw
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is preparing for an emotional clash against his home country after Kenya was drawn with South Africa in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Junior Starlets gear up for World Cup qualifier encounter against Uganda
Junior Starlets have set their sights on a crucial away win over Uganda’s Teen Cranes as they aim to secure their return to the global stage.
Under-20 talents to face off in battle for tickets to world event in Eugene
The World Under-20 Championships is set for August 5-9 in Eugene.
Over 2,500 players to battle it out in Duracoat Golf Masters Series
The Duracoat Golf Masters series 2026 will be played at 12 venues before the grand finale that will be staged at Mount Kipipiri at the end of the year. 
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS