Argentinian coach Edgardo Bauza commented on Lionel Messi’s lack of goal celebrations after his brace against Leganes. He believes the criticism Barcelona has recently received was what made Messi “very angry”.
Trouble has seemed to follow the Camp Nou side in recent weeks. First, news circulated about the possible departures of manager Luis Enrique and star player Lionel Messi. Things got significantly worse after an embarrassing 4-0 to PSG in the Champions League. Barcelona is now trailing leaders Real Madrid in La Liga and will have an almost impossible task in their second leg against PSG.
Messi scored twice on Sunday to help his team to a 2-1 win against Leganes. Barcelona left it late in the game, with a penalty being awarded in the 90th minute. Despite the win fans showed their discontent by booing the team.
Bauza, Messi’s coach at the Argentina national team, believes that Messi did not celebrate his goals as a result of recent criticism.
“I think he reacted to the criticism he may have received after PSG. I noticed he was very angry when he scored the goals.“, Bauza told a radio reporter.
The win against Leganes brought Barca only one point behind rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga. Real do have two games in hand and could extend the point difference. Recent reports suggest the Camp Nou board could be looking for a new manager soon.
Barcelona favorite Gerard Piqué has shown his support for manager Luis Enrique. Piqué reminded supporters of the difficult time in which Enrique took the managerial position.
“When the coach arrived, we were in the absolute s*** and with him we won the treble. It would be good if people looked back and saw all the work he has put in. We are with him until the death.”
Piqué also believes Barca has what it takes to turn the season around.
“We are all together trying to overcome this difficult moment. We are still alive in three competitions and we have a chance in all three, even if it will not be easy in the Champions League. But we have been in worse situations in the past. We are focused on finding solutions.”
