PSV coach Mark van Bommel has no issues with his players fighting it out for Lionel Messi’s shirt – as long as they get a positive result against Barcelona.
The Eredivisie champions get their Group B campaign underway on Tuesday with a daunting trip to the Catalan giants, who have enjoyed a 100 per cent start to the season.
Van Bommel – who spent 2005-06 with Barca – has demanded that his players remain professional and only think about getting their hands on Messi’s shirt at the end of the game.
“If tomorrow we get a good result I don’t care if they fight for Messi’s shirt,” he told a news conference.
“That is part of being a professional, to always be concentrating. I know they will ask him for the shirt, but they shouldn’t do it at half-time.”
Van Bommel returns to Camp Nou but, while there are few familiar faces remaining, he hailed former team-mate Messi.
“Only Leo remains in the team from my year here,” the PSV boss added. “It was in 2005 and you could see he would be one of the greatest.
I think he is still the best in the world despite not winning the Ballon d’Or.
Former Socceroos assistant coach Mark van Bommel says his PSV Eindhoven players can fight out for Barcelona star Lionel Messi’s shirt if they win at the Nou Camp – but they better not ask him for it at halftime.
Van Bommel, who was No.2 to Bert van Marwijk with Australia at the World Cup in Russia, wants his Dutch league leaders to stay professional as they begin the Champions League campaign facing the player he called the best in the world.
If tomorrow we get a good result, I don’t care if they fight for Messi’s shirt,” Van Bommel told a news conference.
“That is part of being a professional, to always be concentrating. I know they will ask him for the shirt, but they shouldn’t do it at halftime.”
PSV winger Hirving Lozano may one day line-up with the Argentine at Barcelona, having revealed the Catalan side was interested in signing him in the off-season after he impressed for Mexico at the World Cup.
My agents told me that Barca asked about me and it would be a dream to play here in the future,” he said, “but now the important thing is focusing on PSV and enjoying it as much as possible.”
Despite Messi’s exalted status, Barcelona have won only one of the last five Champions Leagues.
“It’s hard to explain, I don’t understand it,” said midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who is looking forward to making his debut in the competition for the Catalan club after being cup-tied last season.
“It’s hard to watch the game from outside. I always want to play to help, but I couldn’t last season.”
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said PSV deserved respect.
“I don’t think PSV are one of the softest opponents; I think they’re a good team that attacks well, plays together and has players that can unbalance you,” he said. “Lozano is interesting.”