LIONEL MESSI’S Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba has backed the star in his row with sporting director Eric Abidal.
Meanwhile fellow defender Gerard Pique has attempted to rally the squad to come together following their Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao last night.
Lionel Messi’s team-mates have broken their silence following his public spat with Eric AbidalCredit: AP:Associated Press
Jordi Alba has backed Lionel Messi in his row with the Barca chiefCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
That setback increased problems at the Nou Camp following Messi’s public call-out of Abidal earlier in the week.
The chief had accused Barca’s players of not putting in enough effort under Ernesto Valverde prior to his sacking.
That prompted Messi to respond on Instagram as he demanded Abidal “name names”.
After Thursday evening’s 1-0 loss dumped them out of the cup, Alba said: “This club gets enough s*** thrown at it from the outside so we shouldn’t be throwing s*** at ourselves.
“Abidal was a player, he is loved by the fans and that’s why he should know what it’s like inside the dressing room and how players feel.”
Pique, who was forced off with a knock against Bilbao, also spoke about the row to reporters afterwards.
And he demanded that he and his colleagues unite.
The ex-Manchester United man said: “Everyone knows what they’ve done wrong and right.
“From there, we have to keep working, not throwing things in our faces from now until the end of the season, because it doesn’t help.
“We have to focus on our style of play and on winning; at this club, we have been founded on victories and we have to return to that path.
“The unity of the dressing room is incredible. It’s not the time to dig up dirt, which all clubs have.
“What I can say is that our confidence is at its highest, we’re happy with the way we’ve played and reacted to the outside noise.”
Despite upsetting the club’s best player Messi, Abidal still remains in his role.
He had a two-hour meeting with president Josep Bartomeu on Wednesday night.
In the meantime, Messi has been linked with a sensational exit from the Nou Camp with Manchester United, Man City and Juventus all in the frame.
Eric Abidal caused controversy when he claimed the Barca squad did not try hard enough under Ernesto Valverde prior to his sackingCredit: Getty Images
Lionel Messi ‘snubs pre-match Barcelona huddle and then had a frosty exchange with Gerard Pique ahead of Valencia clash
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
