Sword Out, Anger Is Flaring: The Barca-PSG War Heats Up!

Ronald Koeman (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Barcelona versus Paris Saint-Germain match on the field is still two weeks away. But the war has started far from the grass.

The first leg of the Champions League last 16 is drawing near, swords drawn and rage burning. Ronald Koeman accused PSG of adding hot spices to the match, as well as showing that they behaved disrespectfully towards Barcelona.

Launching MARCA, Thursday, February 4, it all started with PSG's desire to recruit Lionel Messi. Since Messi's unhappiness at Camp Nou was evident last summer, they have been interested in signing him.

Neymar was the first to publicly try to lure him to the Parc des Princes, and then it was Mauricio Pochettino's turn, saying that "players like Messi will always be on PSG's list" and "it would be nice to coach him".

Additionally, Le Parisien reports that Pochettino has made his compatriot top priority on the list of transfer requests made to the club.

Leonardo also said they were closely monitoring Messi's situation, but Angel Di Maria's comments on Wednesday were the final blow for Koeman. He said, "There is a high probability that Leo will come to PSG".

Barcelona, ​​still without a president, through Koeman and candidate Joan Laporta accuse the French club of lack of respect.

All of this is just the latest chapter in an old competition. On the pitch, the most memorable moments came as Barcelona overturned a 0-4 first leg defeat to win 6-1 in one of the most famous comebacks in the Champions League, led by Neymar at Camp Nou.

Meanwhile on the management table, the blood was boiling even before PSG signed Neymar. Barcelona kindled things by chasing Marco Verratti for a long time but always failed.

With things getting more and more interesting nowadays, it's a shame the match between the two clubs will be played behind closed doors. Less nervous!