"Messi Is A B*stard Who Rests During Games" - Eibar Coach Argues

 

Eibar manager, Jose Mendilibar, says Barcelona's Lionel Messi doesn't need to miss any games because he can simply rest even while on the pitch. 

Quique Setien's side face Eibar in a La Liga encounter on Saturday three days before a clash against Napoli and there are question marks over whether Messi will be involved from the start or not.

Mendilibar insists, however, that the Argentina legend doesn't need to be rested as he naturally excels at exerting himself only when appropriate.

"This b*stard rests in the game. He knows when he has to participate when to rest.

"If he was given the day off he would have a worse time watching from the stands and get more tired."

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Mendilibar knows first hand the damage Messi can do in a short space of time, recalling a previous match involving the 32-year-old where he scored twice as a substitute, despite being sick in the build-up to the encounter. 

"Once with Osasuna, we went to play a Copa del Rey game [at the Camp Nou]. In the morning of the game [Messi] was ruled out because he had a problem with his stomach and had a fever," Mendilibar said. 

"After eating, he was called up, he was on the bench, we were losing 2-0 and suddenly I see him warming up.

"He came on, scored two goals and we lost 4-0."

Eibar are just three points clear of the relegation zone, but their manager remains optimistic over their chance of claiming Barcelona's scalp.

"We've been watching what they are doing," he noted. "You see everything they do and it looks like a scary movie.

"We have to be convinced that we can also have something to say. I don't know if it will be a lot or a bit, but if there is something we do well, it's putting all the obstacles of the world in front of the opponent.

"We don't have to be afraid or doubtful."