Lionel Messi is ‘difficult to manage’, claims ex-Barcelona boss Setien as he insists there is different side to legend

LIONEL MESSI is ‘difficult to manage’, says former Barcelona boss Quique Setien.

The 62-year-old was sacked by the Spanish side in August after taking charge of just 25 games.

Quique Setien has insisted that Lionel Messi is the ‘best of all time’Credit: Reuters

Following his stint at the Nou Camp, Setien has lifted the lid on what Messi is like behind closed doors.

The Spaniard claims the 33-year-old can be hard work despite being very ‘reserved’.

According to El Pais, Setien said: “I think Messi is the best of all time.

“There have been other great players who have been great, but the continuity that this boy has had throughout the years has not been had by anyone.

“Leo is difficult to manage. Who am I to change him! If they have accepted him as he is for years and have not changed him.

“There’s another facet beyond just the player and it’s more difficult to manage.

“Much more difficult. It’s something inherent in many athletes that can be seen in the Michael Jordan documentary (“The Last Dance”).

“You see things you don’t expect.

“He’s very reserved but he makes you see the things that he wants. He doesn’t talk much.”

Messi came close to leaving Barcelona in the summer after he handed in a transfer request.

But he eventually withdrew his demand to leave and agreed to stay for one more season.

The Spanish side have since made their worst start to a LaLiga season in 18 years.

Ronald Koeman’s men are slumped at 12th in the table with just eight points from six games, and trail rivals Real Madrid by eight points.

Messi summed up his frustration as he booted the ball towards the referee during the 1-1 draw with Alaves on Saturday night.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk