Koeman ahead of Barca vs Juve: It’s not nice to compare Messi and Ronaldo

BARCELONA manager has refused to compare his star player Lionel Messi and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday.

Barcelona host Juventus in Group G’s final fixture and Koeman has confirmed that Messi will be involved as the Spaniards chase top spot.Koeman’s side lead the group with 15 points from five matches and need only a draw at Camp Nou to win the group over Juventus, who are also already through to the knockout rounds.

Messi and Ronaldo have 11 Balon d’Ors between them and have been the world’s best players for most of the 21st century.

“It will be fantastic to see two great champions like Messi and Cristiano, the best of the last 15 years,”Koeman said during his pre-match press conference on Monday.

“It’s not nice to say who is the best, I admire both, because they are incredible and have given us great evenings.”

Koeman was also asked about Mathis De Ligt, who chose Juventus over Barcelona two seasons ago, and Mirales Pjanic, who left Juventus for Barcelona at the beginning of this season. 

“I would like to have De Ligt at Barcelona. It’s a shame that he’s playing for Juventus and not for us,” the former Barcelona defender said.

On Pjanic, he said: “His role in the team cannot be compared to his role at Juventus. Barcelona plays differently. Little by little, he will improve. I have no doubts about him.”