VILLARREAL 1-4 BARCELONA | BARTOMEU
Bartomeu: "VAR always favours the same team. It's not equal"
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu criticised recent refereeing decisions; he also said Messi "has said may times he will end his playing career at Barça".
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, openly criticised, in his opinion, the constant favours which Real Madrid get from VAR reviews: "I watched the game in Bilbao and although I don't like to say it, I'll repeat that VAR is not being used as it should be. 'Since football returned after the Covid19 crisis it has not been equal, that has been reflected in the results and it looks as if it always favours the same team. We spoke to the Federation about it when it was first introduced. VAR should be there to help out the referee but in the last few weeks everyone has been able to see the instances in which it has not been used fairly," he told Movistar's Mónica Marchante after Barcelona's 1-4 win at Villarreal on Sunday night.
Bartomeu gives backing to Setién
Bartomeu was also asked about coach Quique Setién's position: "I know there have been rumours going around. It's completely false. Quique has our support. We're going to fight until the end in this league campaign and after it, in the Champions League. Today we saw a dynamic Barça, who created a lot of chances on goal. From seeing them play like that, it was obvious they were enjoying themselves - it was the kind of match you see from a side who are title contenders. Everything has been much harder after the period of confinement. Now the team is picking up its rhythm and that's the path to follow. The Champions League is starting soon".
Messi "will retire at Barcelona" - Bartomeu
Finally, he was asked about Messi and the recent claims that he does not want to sign a new contract with the Catalans. Bartomeu replied: "'I'm not going to explain the details because we are focused on the competition and we are negotiating with many players but Messi has explained to us that he wants to stay and so we're going to enjoy him for much longer. There is no doubt that he will continue at the club. Messi has said on many occasions that he is keen to end his professional, playing career at Barcelona".