Apparently the reason for Ronald Koeman not trusting Riqui Puig has been revealed, which has been said to be linked to Puig allegedly leaking information to the press earlier in pre-season, according to a report published by Spanish newspaper El Pais.
The report claims that Koeman had informed both Riqui Puig and Ansu Fati to look for a new team that summer for more game time than what could possibly be accorded them at the Camp Nou as part of the starting XI. Allegedly, when Puig was not included in the Gamper Trophy squad, this information was leaked to the press.
Koeman, slighted and not taking kindly to this news, immediately berated Puig in the dressing room in front of everybody, brandishing him a ‘leaker’.
Apparently this is not the first time that news from Koeman’s dressing room has been leaked out to the media. The telephone call to Luis Suarez, and the exclusion of Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic, too, was leaked even before the events took place.
If what’s been reported according to the media holds water, leaking information is definitely not a valid reason for constantly relegating a player the team needs to the bench, just because the head coach has petty reasons to deem it a justifiable reason to do so. If Puig does indeed have attitude issues and has strayed beyond the bounds of confidentiality, the coach is vested with the responsibility to pull him aside to address the issue, but not for personal selfish reasons himself breach the dictates of professionalism and play God Almighty in meting out judgment.
Ruig does indeed deserve, and need, more game time. His performances so far merit at least that.