Messi 'not fresh', rested by Koeman as Barca face Betis
Messi 'not fresh', rested by Koeman as Barca face Betis
MADRID (AFP) - Lionel Messi started on the bench for Barcelona s La Liga game against Real Betis on Saturday, the first time the Argentinian has been rested by new coach Ronald Koeman.
Koeman s assistant Alfred Schreuder said before the match: "We re not talking about an injury, he s just not fresh.
"He has played a lot of games. Koeman has said if you re not 100 percent fresh, it s better you start on the bench."
Messi has made a slow start to the season by his own high standards. He is yet to score a goal from open play this term, although the 33-year-old has converted four penalties.
Koeman had indicated he would need to rest his captain at some point, especially given Barca s last six games came in 19 days, and Messi started all of them.
The dip in form comes after Messi s failed attempt to leave Barcelona last summer.
Koeman s side sit 12th in La Liga after a disappointing few weeks in the league but have won all three of their group games in the Champions League.
