Making a Messi of it
Guillem Balague told Revista that Frank Rijkaard has bowed down to changing room politics already.
Last Updated: 30/08/07 10:49am
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Guillem Balague told Revista de la Liga that Frank Rijkaard has bowed down to changing room politics already despite claims that he wouldn't.
Following Barcelona's goalless draw with Racing Santander on the opening weekend of the season, the Dutchman has been criticised for substituting Lionel Messi during the match.
Messi was replaced by summer signing Thierry Henry and Balague believes that the little Argentine was an easy target for Rijkaard despite being Barca's best performer.
"Rijkaard is saying he wants to put the players who are in top form in the team," said Balague.
"But he is aware of politics within the changing room and what you cannot do is bring one of the new signings in and leave one of the top players out.
"He was always going to start with Henry on the bench and Henry knew that and was prepared for that. But what was a little strange was that he replaced Messi who was Barcelona's best player in a not very good team so everybody's saying 'why Messi? Is it because he will never protest if he gets replaced?
"Is Rijkaard using politics again instead of, as he promised, picking players on form?"
"It looks like Rijkaard is already committing the same mistakes that cost Barcelona so much last season. The fans didn't see any reaction to last season, they saw the same problems."
The £16million signing of Henry has caused excitement amongst fans who want to see Samuel Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Messi and the former Arsenal striker in the same team.
But Balague feels that that will not happen as Rijkaard wants a stable formation and cannot rely on his attackers to work hard off the ball.
"I think the problem lies with the forwards," continued Balague. "For Barcelona to work they need their forwards to work really hard when they lose the ball and that's not happening. Also what you need is for the midfield to move the ball very quickly and that's not happening either.
"They hate the name 'the fantastic four'. Rijkaard has so much confidence from the fans and the club that he won't be asked to do anything. And Rijkaard has decided that only three can play because the side will be weakened if all four play together."
