Barcelona have taken heed of Lionel Messi’s scathing
criticism of the club as they begin a “fresh and exciting project”,
vice-president Pau Vilanova has said.
Vilanova’s assessment is the first time someone on the Barca
board has spoken publicly since Messi’s explosive interview with Goal last
week.
Messi admitted he had been forced to stay this summer but
said he had wanted to leave and was dismayed by the lack of direction at the
top of the club.
“We are very happy that Messi is with us and has joined this exciting project,” said Vilanova on Friday.
“You have to take his words into consideration and for this
reason, we are starting a recovery, for this reason, we are beginning a new,
fresh and exciting project.”
Messi returned to pre-season training under new coach
Ronaldo Koeman this week.
The 33-year-old turned up an hour and a half early for the
first session on Monday and has been working on the team’s days off as he tries
to make up for lost time following a chaotic few weeks.
Barcelona plays a friendly against Gimnasio Tarragona on
Saturday and then Elche and Girona, before starting their La Liga season at
home to Villarreal at the end of the month.
All eyes will be on Messi and whether he has the motivation
to reintegrate and find his best form again.
“In any profession, we’ve all had doubts about our situation
and then, after some reflection, we have decided to continue or to leave,” said
Vilanova. “In this case, he will continue and he will be motivated.”
Messi was particularly critical of Barcelona’s president
Josep Maria Bartomeu, whom he accused of going back on his word over an
agreement to let him leave.
“We hope and wish that there is a respect and togetherness
so the club can function,” said Vilanova. “Obviously, there are people from the
club who are talking to him.”
After Barcelona’s historic 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in
the Champions League, Bartomeu brought forward the presidential elections,
which will be held on March 20 and 21.
But more than 7,500 members have signed a petition to be rid
of him sooner, with 16,500 signatures needed to trigger a vote of no
confidence.
“We have set the date of the assembly and the elections,”
added Vilanova. “In short, we are working for the good of Barca.”
(AFP)
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