The Messi Claim- Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has stated that Lionel Messi peaked during his time under Pep Guardiola at Camp Nou. The Argentine won a stunning 14 trophies under Guardiola’s management, also recording his highest tally of 50 goals in a single La Liga campaign in Guardiola’s final season in charge.
Guardiola took over as Barcelona manager in 2008 and during a four-season run, he led the Blaugrana to a stunning period of success that included three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey wins and two Champions League triumphs.
Messi also experienced an extraordinary run of individual success during this period. He went on to win the Ballon d’Or in four consecutive years between 2009 and 2012.
Despite still boasting the six-time Ballon d’Or winner among their ranks, Barcelona has only won the Champions League once in the eight years following Guardiola’s 2012 departure and, Ajax boss Ten Hag doesn’t think that it’s a coincidence.
What Ten Hag Told Voetbal International?
“Messi was one of the leaders, but he also worked for the team and excelled as a result. He has never been as good as under Guardiola.
“Barcelona has not won much in European terms in recent years either. Messi still excels, but now also occasionally goes through the lower limit. It was never like that under Guardiola. Pep has guts, he dares to be pioneering and innovative.”
Ten Hag (50 at present), worked with Guardiola. This was for the first two years of the now-Manchester City boss’ stint at Bayern Munich. The pair got on really well in Bavaria, with Ten Hag coaching the reserve side.
While Guardiola left Bayern in 2016 for Manchester City, Ten Hag had already slipped out a year earlier to take charge of Eredivisie side FC Utrecht. He was pretty quick to the step up to Ajax, before shooting to real prominence last season.
The Barca Side Of Things And What Will Happen Next?
In a stunning campaign inspired by talented young players like Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt among others, the Amsterdam club won the league and domestic cup double as well as shocking Europe to reach the Champions League semi-finals. There will be no title coronation this season for Ten Hag, however, with the Eredivisie season having been axed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Messi, meanwhile, could still taste La Liga glory once again, with the Spanish top-flight desperate to resume. The 32-year-old had registered 19 goals and 12 assists in 22 league appearances this season. This had inspired his side to the top spot, though Real Madrid did fight back to the top.
What Next For Messi Now?
The recent reports had suggested that Lionel Messi wants to leave Barcelona. However, these were dismissed by the Argentine talisman, as he said he does not want to go now. He confirmed that he will be staying at the Nou Camp until his contract expires. It will be interesting to see whether that actually happens now or not.
Things could get really interesting in the upcoming days, as the season draws to a close. The competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid is getting quite intense already. Who will win the La Liga title, remains to be seen!!
