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A disenchanted Lionel Messi branded Barcelona “inconsistent” and “weak” after Thursday’s loss to Osasuna allowed Real Madrid to clinch their first La Liga title since 2017.
Barca’s shock 2-1 defeat at residence to Osasuna, coupled with Madrid’s 2-1 win towards Villarreal, moved Zinedine Zidane‘s aspect seven factors clear on the high of the desk with only one sport to go.
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Messi mentioned Madrid deserve credit score for profitable all 10 video games since La Liga’s resumption in June to stop Barca from making it three titles in a row, however he criticised his aspect’s performances and referred to as for reflection throughout the entire membership.
“We did not anticipate or need it to finish on this manner, but it surely’s a mirrored image of our season,” Messi instructed Movistar after Osasuna ended Barca’s 42-game unbeaten run at Camp Nou within the league.
“[We’ve been] an inconsistent, weak crew that has been crushed in depth and want. It has been simple to attain objectives towards us.
“Madrid did what they needed to do. They have not misplaced a sport because the restart, which deserves credit score, however we’ve helped them by dropping factors we must always not have dropped.
“We should be self-critical, beginning with the gamers, however throughout the entire membership. Madrid received all their video games however we’re Barcelona and we’re obliged to win each sport. We have now to take a look at ourselves, not the opposition, and the performances in current video games have left so much to be desired.”
Barca may nonetheless keep away from a primary trophy-less season since 2007-08 with success within the Champions League when Europe’s premier competitors resumes subsequent month.
Nonetheless, Messi says enormous adjustments might be wanted earlier than they host Napoli within the second leg of their last-16 tie on Aug. 8 following a 1-1 attract Italy in February.
“I’ve mentioned earlier than that if we continued enjoying as we have been it will be troublesome to win the Champions League and now it is clear it wasn’t even sufficient to win La Liga,” the Barca captain added.
“We have now to alter so much as a result of if we do not, we’ll lose towards Napoli as properly. We’d like somewhat time to clear our heads after which to consider the Champions League, which begins from zero.”
Messi is out of contract in 2021 and a report in Spain earlier this month advised he’s contemplating his future on the membership past then. Sources subsequently confirmed to ESPN various points on and off the pitch have upset him.
Lacking out on the title to Madrid is unlikely to assist persuade him to remain and, whereas he did not wish to touch upon his personal future, he acknowledged the membership’s supporters have a proper to be sad.
“The followers are offended with all that is gone on this season and it is regular, we’re additionally offended,” he mentioned. “It is regular that they really feel like this and that, after the defeats towards Roma and Liverpool [in the Champions League in 2018 and 2019], they’re shedding endurance as a result of we’re not giving them something.”
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