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Reuters
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has defended his decision to pitch Lionel Messi in the Spanish Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday after the Argentine star is sent off.
Messi missed Barcelona’s victory over Real Sociedad in the Super Cup semi-final on Wednesday due to injury, but before entering the final Koeman said he would allow the Argentine player to make the appropriate decision concerning his physical form.
“I think after so many years at the top level he (Messi) knows when he can play and when he can’t. I spoke to him and he said he was ready enough to start the game “Koeman told reporters after losing to Bilbao 2-3.
Messi appeared strong at the start and effectively contributed to the progress goal, but he felt tired with the passage of time and gradually left the air.
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And he was frustrated with Messi as he climaxed at the last minute of the extra second half and attacked Bilbao player Asier Vialiber before the video assistant referee stepped in and took down directly expel the Argentine star.
“I understand what Messi did … I don’t know how many mistakes were made against him, and it is natural to have a reaction by continuing to try to foul a player looking to dribble with the ball, but I need to review the shot clearly, “said Coman.
And with Messi receiving a red card due to the violence, he will likely have to face four La Liga and Spanish Cup games.
Barcelona will play with neighbors Cornia in the 32nd round of the Spanish Cup midweek, as they are third in the Spanish league, seven points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have two matches postponed.
Source: Reuters
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