Ernesto Valverde Reveals The Reason Behind Benching Lionel Messi In El Clasico

La Pulga or better known as Lionel Messi did not participate when Barcelona hosted their mortal rival, Real Madrid, in the first leg Copa Del Rey Semi-final. Thursday (7/2). Barca Coach, Ernesto Valverde has strong reasons on benching him.

Ernesto Valverde chose to put out Phillipe Coutinho and Malcom to accompany Luis Suarez on the front line. Though Barcelona can still launch their attacks, it is not without a reason that Lionel Messi’s absence was sorely felt.

Real Madrid even managed to first be ahead after Lucas Vazquez scored a goal on the 6^th minute. Barcelona responded by following goal from Malcom in the 57^th minute.

Barcelona tried to win the match by letting Lionel Messi play on the 63^rd minute. But the tactic failed because the 1-1 score remained until the end.

“The decision you made was solely based on what you thought was best for the team and players. He felt uneasy,” says Valverde as reported by Soccerway.

“He is in a much better condition today. But we believe the best option for Messi is to be put in the second round,” adds Valverde.

Valverde expresses that letting Lionel Messi play in the second round was a strategy he has already thought about. “He could be the determinant as we are well aware of the dangers that form each time anyone gets the ball,” explains the coach

Barcelona will next face Athletico Bilbao on the continuing LaLiga match. Valverde hopes Lionel Messi will be back in shape. “I don’t know. If all goes well, Messi can play. That’s what I hope,” exclaimed Valverde.

Lionel Messi is injured. The Argentinian faced a problem while Barcelona was detained by Valencia 2-2 on the previous match.