Lionel Messi's transfer request was a 'power play' claims expert
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has decided against stepping down from his position following a crunch meeting in Catalonia today. Pressure has been mounting on the 57-year-old after a series of controversies.
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A host of senior Barca players have turned against the president, with Gerard Pique voicing his frustration last week after signing a contract extension on heavily reduced terms.
"I, as a Barca player, see that my club has spent money, money they're now asking us for [in salary reductions], to criticise us - and I'm not talking about criticising people outside the club, but current players - it's atrocious," the veteran defender said.
"I asked [Bartomeu] for an explanation and he said 'Gerard, I didn't know about it', and I believed him.
"But then you see that the person who was responsible for doing this is still working at the club.
Barcelona star Gerard Pique has voiced his frustration (Image: GETTY)
"That hurts me a lot. And I'm saying that here because I've already said it to the president, too."
Barcelona are 12th in the La Liga table after the opening five matches.
Koeman's has guided his side to just seven points out of a possible 15.