It's Quiet thread 14 - 'do one' edition

[oakiecokie]

I can see some disappointed posts today which is understandable.

However the criticism that Messi has "bottled it" is ill-informed and unacceptable.

Please understand that there was nothing else he could have done in this exceptional circumstance. There was nothing he could sign because Bartomeu would not release him and neither would La Liga . The only thing he could have done was sue Barca.

Now he says in his interview that his love of the club prevents that and that might be true but the main reason is that a court case would last longer than the remaining months of his contract so it would serve no purpose. Bartomeu knows this.

So the only thing left is to cause the Barca board more embarrassment staying than if he left and he has done a great job so far.

He said he wanted to leave then resigned then didn't turn up for a COVID test then didn't go to training then his dad published the clause publically then he did a scathing interview.

Precisely what more could Messi have done?

He has been consistently lied to by this Barca board and treated like a pawn in a political game. He was prepared to uproot his family to get out.

Anyone criticising Messi doesn't understand how a transfer works.

Oh,and by the way, there is obviously method in all this which City will be a major part of.

Messi has done a u-turn?? What a load of trash. Justify the statement.

There is still a chance he signs this window and that's what the interview was all about..showing how badly he wants to leave but that he is being legally prevented. Having verbally burned his bridges there is nothing to stop him criticising the board constantly for here on in.

Messi has been brilliant and as good as his word.

Brilliant cobweb,well said.

 

[razman]

 

[bluemonkey71]

It isn't over

Is that blind optimism or tongue in cheek?! ;)

thanks for all the info but this one looks dead in the water.

 

[not my fault!]

Why would they not deal with us weve had no dealings with them over Messi.
And they want Garcia,so they will have too

Be wise we have tried to take their cash cow.. they’ll not want to be seen as having been done over by City who in their eyes is a much smaller entity. As for García they wo t bid for him and he’s already said he’s going for free next season so they do t need to deal with us,plus García has age on his side meaning they can wait 12 months.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

Based on Tolmie's post, Is the play here for Koeman, similar to Pep for Sane? That only those who want to stay, stay at the club

Him training with Barca is part of the plan. When he plays for them next season, it's part of the plan. And when he signs a contract extension later in the season? You guessed it. Plan.

Years from now, when he's got a bit more grey in his beard and his muscles have started calcifying, when he calls it quits on Barcelona and hangs up his boots; that is when we spring our trap.

 

[lonestay]

Bart will deal with anyone but us over Messi. If Messi was to go to City then not only has the worlds best player moved so has european footballs power base, Bart would deal with China, MLS anyone that doesnt have City attached to it .

 

[Cobwebcat]

i don’t think he bottled it but I do think Barça have some very shady info on him and his dad was threatened over it.
I just dont see Barça accepting anything from City that is less than crazy money now. They have a point to prove and hate us already.
I think as much as we hoped and prayed that we need to see the bigger picture here, clearly he’s not happy and does want to come but he knows they have a hold on him and as such I just can’t see him ever leaving now. I hope I’m proved wrong of course but I just can’t see it.

Well we have no proof of that and if the theory was correct I can't see why his Dad would publish the clause and criticise the board publically and in writing.

 

[cityzennn93:20]

is there a chance barca accept a fee in January instead of losing him for free in the summer ?

 

[razman]

Him training with Barca is part of the plan. When he plays for them next season, it's part of the plan. And when he signs a contract extension later in the season? You guessed it. Plan.

Years from now, when he's got a bit more grey in his beard and his muscles have started calcifying, when he calls it quits on Barcelona and hangs up his boots; that is when we spring our trap.

Ok ok, i was trying to bring positivity to the board! :)

Don't shut me down so quick!!

 

[Marvin]

Sadly it’s done. Even if he wanted to join next year, his family are settled. Maybe Barca will get him to sign some sort of contract or drop his release clause so they can get some money out of it but I think It’s a year too late for us.

I’d be stunned if Koeman lasts the whole season with that squad. He was rubbish at Everton and can’t see him doing any better at Barca.

Hopefully we have other targets in mind we can move swiftly on to.

I think it's clear the decisive factor was barcelona's hostility to a deal.

They may yet accept an offer because it's highly likely they'll lose Messi soon and he's losing his value to the side. He was unable to carry FCB in 2019/20. The strategy of relying on an ageing Messi to act as a heart beat for a side doesn't work and completely killed them in big games.