Borussia Dortmund were annoyed to learn that Lionel Messi is not even in the squad for Barcelona's trip to Inter and that Marc-Andre ter Stegen will not play in goal, reports Sport.
The German club's Champions League hopes hang on Barça getting something against Inter on Tuesday, while they must better the Italian side's result against Slavia Prague to reach the last 16.
While the Dortmund coach, Lucien Favre, recognised in a press conference that "we have to try and win, everything else is a puzzle," the German media have highlighted anger at Barça's decision to rest their stars.
Messi, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto have not even travelled, while Ernesto Valverde has confirmed that Neto will play in goal, making his competitive debut.
With Messi and Ter Stegen in the side, obviously, Barça would have a much bigger chance of winning the game at the San Siro on Tuesday.
Remember that last season Barça were in a similar situation. They played a mixed team against Tottenham but still managed to draw the game, while Inter failed to beat PSV, which meant the English side progressed.
⚽CR7FOREVER⚽
631
Messi is not playing is ok as he needs rest after scoring hattrick and consistently performing and playing all matches but ter stegan should a have been in starting11 as he promised to Dortmund that he will make sure that Inter don't win and now he only not playing. Barca fans don't blast me just because I'm Ronaldo fan, I'm saying this as a football fan
SteveRogers99
547
stop begging us.. you were running your mouth before the UCL draw. what happened now?? 😂 go practice for Europe League now. 😂😂
zucceikmst
539
Obviously, but Barca have qualified top of the group guaranteed and have an El Clasico coming up. Rest is smart.
dizaar
350
Even dortmund now depend on messi😂😂😂
nana_yaw
179
That's is a very disrespectful comment towards Neto and the other ten players on the pitch🙄 We demand an apology otherwise...😎