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World Cup 2014 Roundup: Lionel Messi’s Christmas Break Crucial to Argentina
Published: November 11, 2013
No longer can it be just a coincidence; since Pep Guardiola's departure, the problems of his formative years under Frank Rijkaard—which meant he missed the 2006 Champions League final win over Arsenal and suffered with muscle problems in his legs—are back and wreaking havoc.
During Guardiola's four-year stint as manager at Camp Nou, La Pulga made 51, 53, 55 and 60 appearances in each respective campaign.
He simply didn't miss games, never picked up niggles and was at his physical peak.
However, after picking up a problem last season and being rushed back for the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, he simply hasn't returned to 100 percent—either through forcing himself to return to soon or because of the club's need—and, as a consequence, more muscle problems have been forthcoming.
Even his on-field demeanour has changed, with him appearing less joyous than he has in past years, while his style of play has seemingly morphed from "False 9" to a more pure No. 9, spending increasing time on the shoulders of defenders and less dropping deep, turning and running at opposing defences with the ball at his feet.
From the outside looking in—and it seems incredibly harsh on a player whose productivity remains at such a ridiculously high level—he has looked as though he has been doubting his body.
And while it is a worry to Los Cules, unquestionably it is to Alejandro Sabella also.
Since taking over the Albiceleste, Sabella has sought to provide Messi with a platform from where he can do his best work.
The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has been used either as a No. 10 behind Gonzalo Higuain, with both scoring goals for fun du...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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