Barcelona President Affirms Commitment To Keep Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi will not be leaving Barcelona any time soon following a statement by the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu over the need for a "drastic" overhaul of the team.

Barcelona have made a drastic change in the management including the dismissal of former head coach Quiqen Setien and director of football Eric Abidal after their humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last Friday. 

Bartomeu was speaking on the re-appointment of Ronald Koeman as the replacement for Quiqen when he mentioned that the club will take some measures which will result in exit of some long-servicing players. 

Having mentioned seven players that will not be affected amongst which was Lionel Messi, but players like Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquet are not mentioned. 

"These are players who have given their best days to the club and been part of the club's best years," said Bartomeu. "They have won a lot of trophies and had a lot of success."

"Some of those decisions have already been taken by others and some will be taken soon by difference people. The players will not be consulted on these decisions."

Koeman was unveiled as the new manager on Wednesday and was praised as Bartomeu as the head coach they know very well and one who understands Barcelona and its philosophy. 

"He will be able to push his team forward in a new project," Bartomeu said about Koeman. "We know him well. We know how he thinks and acts after studying the teams he has coached."