Barca Forum user Altomonte believes it’s time to finally start using properly Griezmann and Coutinho and give Leo the well-deserved rest.
Leo Messi has completed all 8 Barcelona games this season, as well as 2 more games for Argentina. Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann are still looking for their best position at the Catalan club.
Barca Forum user Altomonte explains how to solve these 2 problems at once:
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“I think it’s time for Koeman to turn the fact that Barca management acquired 2 players that are similar to Messi into a plus (instead of a problem).
“Given that Messi does not have the stamina to play 2-3 matches per week, he should be rested and Griezmann + Coutinho should take his place.
“I disagree that Messi is done as a top player. He can still deliver GOAT performances if properly rested.
“Messi never in his career did well on short rest. Koeman has to manage Messi’s minutes, even if Messi disagrees. Everybody will win, including Messi himself.
“A regular La Liga schedule without mid-week matches is fine, a compressed schedule (like post-COVID) is not good for Messi. The current crazy schedule is a worst-case scenario for Messi’s recovery problems.
“He is the most gifted player but he is not superman when it comes to stamina.
It is the coach’s responsibility to realize this fact and to plan accordingly.
“He could start this week by letting Messi stay home and practice (maybe freekicks?) and not include him in the Kyiv squad.”
Philippe Coutinho’s latest injury means he won’t be able to play against Kyiv this Wednesday but it could be the right moment for Griezmann to prove his worth.
Here is one of the options how Barca could line up against Dynamo Kyiv with Leo Messi rested:
Barca XI: Neto; Dest, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Dembele, Griezmann, Pedri; Fati.
Do you agree with Altomonte’s take? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Perfect idea. Messi is talented but he’s not a super. He needs a lot and a lot of rest to bring him back to his best.