Barcelona are set to hold an emergency meeting after Lionel Messi shocked everyone and publicly slammed Eric Abidal on Instagram. According to RAC1, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu will return to the club today to meet with the director of football today on Wednesday to hold crisis talks in a bid to solve this meltdown.
This drama erupted after Abidal sat down with Sport, with the Frenchman opening up about the sacking of Valverde. In this interview, the former Blaugrana defender turned executive appeared to criticize the players for the manager’s dismissal, claiming some were not working for the former gaffer.
"I watched the games without paying attention to the results,” Abidal said.
“I focused on how we were playing, and I noticed that some of our players were not satisfied or working too hard.
“There also seemed to be a communication problem, and even though there seemed to be no problem between the coach and the players, there are things that you can hint as a former player. I spoke to the board and asked them to do something about it.”
These were the remarks that sparked an unconventional social media rant from the six-time Ballon d’Or winner who criticized the sporting director over his comments.
"Honestly I wouldn't like to do this, but you have to make yourself responsible for your duties and take charge of your decisions,” Leo wrote on Instagram.
“Us players know what happens on the pitch, and on top of that, we are the first ones to step up and acknowledge when things are not going well. Those in charge of the team's sporting direction should also assume their responsibilities and take charge of what they do.
“Lastly, I believe that when there's talk about 'players', they should bring out the names of those involved, because if you don't provide names all of our reputations are damaged, and such words fuel speculation about things that are not true."
As of now, the Catalan giants have not issued a statement regarding the recent drama. However, a response is expected once Bartomeu meets with the director of football.
Mundo Deportivo report that Abidal could be sacked to appease Messi, which is an understandable move given the Argentine’s contract situation. The 32-year-old is set to enter the final year of his current deal next season and given the clause which could see him leave the Camp Nou for nothing this summer, the club might have to do whatever it takes to keep him at the club.
As for the Argentine’s unusual outburst, there are speculations that there is more to it than Abidal’s interview. Some point to their disappointing January transfer window and current injury crisis as the true cause for this friction between the player and the sporting executive.
