Barcelona boss Koeman criticised over Messi hypocrisy in Depay chase

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman has been criticised of being hypocritical over Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of Lionel Messi as he seeks to sign Memphis Depay from Lyon.

Both men are free agents in the summer, and PSG have made no secret of their desire to sign Messi from the Catalans. Several players and even sporting director Leonardo have admitted that they would love to have the legendary Argentine among their ranks.

This has provoked fury from Barcelona, who have accused the Parisian club of lacking professional courtesy towards then.

Lyon boss Rudi Garcia, however, has pointed out that Barca have been culpable of the same sin as they seek to lure Memphis Depay to the club in the summer.

Depay has been a main catalyst for Lyon in their push for the Ligue 1 title this season, scoring two goals, including a fine free kick, in a 3-0 win over Strasbourg at the weekend.

Koeman openly courted his former Netherlands charge last summer, much to the annoyance of the 2019/20 Champions League semi-finalists.

“I read that Ronald Koeman was a little offended that PSG spoke about Lionel Messi before a Champions League game,” Garcia said in an interview with beIN Sport.

“But he wasn’t afraid to talk about Memphis Depay, even after the transfer window had closed. The boot is on the foot now.”

Indeed, Barcelona came close to signing Depay last summer. An agreement had been reached but there was not space in the squad for the Lyon star, and as Koeman’s men failed to offload anyone in time, he remained with the Ligue 1 club this term.