Van Gaal blames Messi for Barca's failures in Champions League

Former player and manager Louis van Gaal has criticized Messi saying the Barca forward ‘should be adapting himself to the team’ and not vice versa.

Dutchman believes Catalan enjoys too much freedom at Camp Nou, adding that current managers prefer Messi’s individual skills over team effort.

67-year-old insisted that Pep Guardiola is the only manager to use Messi the right way.

Despite being the reigning La Liga champions Barcelona have repeatedly failed in the Champions League; falling to Liverpool in the semi-final last season.

Speaking to El Pais the former United manager said that Messi is responsible for the failure, reports Goal.

“I believe that there is nothing more important than the team player,” said Van Gaal.



“Barca suffer from that. I think Messi should ask himself how it is possible that he’s gone so long without winning a Champions League. Look at Barcelona. How many Champions Leagues have they won with the one everybody says is the best player in the world? Look at Neymar at PSG. How many Champions Leagues has he won?

“He’s the best individual player in the world because his stats are amazing. But why hasn’t he won a Champions League for five years?

“As captain, you have to ask yourself why the team doesn’t win in Europe. I think that Messi is also responsible for what is happening at Barcelona, not just the coach. They have a squad of 30 players and I believe that Messi should adapt himself to the team, and not the other way around."

Van Gaal managed Barcelona from 1997 onwards and helped the Catalans to two La Liga titles (1997–98, 1998–99) and the Copa del Rey once. However his during his tenure with the Spanish club he remained embroiled in controversy for clashes with the media, as well as some players.