Rivaldo’s remarks came days after the former president and current Barcelona candidate paid for a giant campaign poster to be displayed on a building next to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Joan Laporta should focus on his ideas and projects
Rivaldo is not satisfied by Joan Laporta’s campaign ahead of Barcelona’s presidential elections on January 24th. His remarks came days after the former president and current Barcelona candidate paid for a giant campaign poster to be displayed on a building next to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. “What you have to do is accent more on your ideas and projects. And not think more about those of your opponents,” Rivaldo told reporters. “It doesn’t seem like a good idea to provoke Real Madrid and the city of Madrid with this step. I disagree because he doesn’t need to present himself like that after the great success he had with Barcelona in the first stage as president.”
Messi could become a centre midfielder
Lionel Messi turned 33 last summer, but Rivaldo believes he could extend his career if he becomes a centre midfielder. “Lionel Messi was amazing in midfield for Barcelona against Real Sociedad,” said the Brazilian. “Messi showed great creativity, and the result was a victory over the team that led the LaLiga. But most of all, Messi wants to be front-line by scoring goals. So I don’t suppose him to stay in midfield. On the other hand, if he played in midfield, he wouldn’t need to run so much. It can be good for him as he gets older. He scores fewer goals than usual this season, and Ronald Koeman could think of a new position for Messi. He’s shown he can be effective in midfield, but it’s up front where he wants to be.”
Pedri managed to establish himself in the starting eleven ahead of Philippe Coutinho. But Rivaldo is sure that his compatriot will rediscover his form soon. “Young attacking midfielder Pedri started again against Real Sociedad and made another solid performance,” added Rivaldo. “He’s a very talented player who shows personality on the pitch and could be an important part of the club shortly. But it’s vital not to put too much pressure on his shoulders at an early age and give him room to keep growing. As a Barcelona player, you always have to try a little harder in every match, or you could lose a place in such a talented squad. Coutinho has struggled in recent weeks.”
“The Brazilian has shone at Liverpool and won the Champions League last season with Bayern Munich. So we always expect a little more from him. I think he will start performing well again soon.”