|
|
Guardiola: Few Players Have The Character Of Messi
He says any player can suffer when their quality is doubted.
Oct 19, 2009 9:44:21 PM
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has rallied behind star forward Lionel Messi and insisted that he has seen "few players" with a character as strong as the Argentinian's during his time in football.
As his side prepare to take on Rubin Kazan in the UEFA Champions League tonight, Guardiola stressed that Barca are a team and the collective performance is more important than the performance of individuals.
"Leo [Messi] is the best around and this stadium will continue to enjoy him for a long time. What is clear is that when there are doubts about you quality, you suffer but he looks good in all aspects and will return to his best. He is hungry and that is what matters," Guardiola said at a press conference.
"Anyway, I do not understand the whole game being about one player. This is a collective issue. Messi can play badly as many times he wants and is the same person here or in Rosario.
"I assure you, he will be given the Ballon d'Or and will remain the best. I have seen few players with his character."
Paul Madden, Goal.com
Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!
As his side prepare to take on Rubin Kazan in the UEFA Champions League tonight, Guardiola stressed that Barca are a team and the collective performance is more important than the performance of individuals.
"Leo [Messi] is the best around and this stadium will continue to enjoy him for a long time. What is clear is that when there are doubts about you quality, you suffer but he looks good in all aspects and will return to his best. He is hungry and that is what matters," Guardiola said at a press conference.
"Anyway, I do not understand the whole game being about one player. This is a collective issue. Messi can play badly as many times he wants and is the same person here or in Rosario.
"I assure you, he will be given the Ballon d'Or and will remain the best. I have seen few players with his character."
Paul Madden, Goal.com
Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.