According to El Pais, there was controversy prior to Barcelona’s Joan Gamper trophy pre-season match against Elche, with Ronald Koeman putting promising midfielder Riqui Puig on blast.
Koeman, who had asked the midfielder to seek a loan exit this summer, left Puig in the stands during the official presentation of the team, claiming that the 21-year-old was a ‘leaker’.
El Pais report that Koeman singled out Puig for apparently being a ‘leak’ in front of the entire dressing room, with some of the group in support of the Dutchman’s decision and some not.
Koeman confirmed that Puig also wished to leave this summer a couple of months ago, adding that the ace would receive ‘opportunities to play’ – he’s featured as a substitute four times this season.
Puig’s action has amounted to a total of 77 minutes, with the creative midfielder’s longest outing being 25 minutes so far this season.
Barcelona are in a difficult situation after a mass exodus this summer sparked by their embarrassing end to the season and dire financial troubles, the last thing they need is a rift between player and manager.