Reason Barcelona coach chose to start Messi on the bench
Image: DailyMail
Barcelona's Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman explained why Lionel Messi started the home game against Real Betis on the bench at the subsequent press conference;
We talked to Leo, who came from the game against Dynamo Kiev annoyed, and he was not physically ready to play from start. He was on the bench in case we needed him. If he was physically ready, then he would have played from the start.
From the start of the second half, Messi was needed as the score was 1-1 and Koeman was forced to make a substitution in the offensive line as the great talent Ansu Fati was injured. After the match, the Dutchman was satisfied with his players' efforts, as they got the victory.
It was a big win for us and we really needed the points and I am happy with our attacking play. We created a lot of chances, and the draw at the break was not fair.
Barcelona have not yet found their form. The big team occupies an 8th place in La Liga after the first seven rounds.
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