Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has admitted that it has been a chaotic couple of days at Camp Nou with the potential move of Lionel Messi the biggest shock. The Argentine submitted a transfer request, sending waves worldwide.
The cracks have been on the wall for a long time but after being thumped 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, Barça have descended into total chaos. Quique Setién was sacked and immediately replaced by Ronald Koeman. Most of the playing squad have either been put up for sale or get their contract terminated. Sporting Director Eric Abidal has resigned and there have been calls for president Josep Maria Bartomeu to follow suit.
Among all the dramas in Catalonia Messi's desire to leave is undoubtedly the most high-profile issue to emerge from the rubble at the club, and De Jong said this is not the best time to be a Barcelona player. The former Ajax midfielder said that the situation is very disturbing. He revealed that Messi was one of the reasons he chose to move to Barca. The lure to play with the best player of all time was too good to turn down, and he chat begin to imagine Messi playing fir another club except Barcelona.
De Jong finally acknowledge that all that is going on with the club is just a temporary phase and the club will surely whether the storm and come out if it bigger and better.
Former Barcelona player Michael Laudrup has also echoed the concerns of De Jong. The former Swansea City manager revealed that he will be disappointed to see Messi leave the club. He also advised the club to start looking for all available options for a smooth transition should Messi finally leave. Even if their record goalscorer and playmaker leaves next summer, the club may not be ready what’s next, which is scary for the fans, the club, the Spanish topflight and European club football.