Gerardo Martino was officially announced as the new Barcelona manager on Friday. He immediately addressed a major concern on numerous reporters' minds: can Lionel Messi and Neymar leave put their egos aside and work together?
The new manager affirmed that both players will find a way to co-exist. "I find it hard to believe two great players like Messi and Neymar won't be able to play together. It is not going to be a problem," Martino said. "If I can't make them play together, it is a deficit on my part as coach."
Martino's comments echo those of other Barcelona executives.
"They are both great people with great hearts and I believe that both of them will do their best to bring the team as much success as it has had in the past," added Barcelona president Sandro Rosell.
Even former manager Pep Guardiola felt that a conflict was not imminent. "Barca have always had some of the best players in the world at their disposal, and Neymar and Messi are undoubtedly two of the best at the moment," said Guardiola. "I know Messi very well. He is a fantastic person as well as player. I have met Neymar too and he seems like a good lad and I'm sure they will have no problem playing together."
The two are among the top players in the world. Many have questioned whether Neymar is ready to play second fiddle to Messi. The Brazilian emphasized that he wanted to work with the Ballon d'Or winner to form a lethal partnership.
"I hope it will be a partnership to make history. We have everything for that to happen and it's an honor, a dream come true, to play alongside the best in the world and that is what persuaded me choose Barcelona," Neymar told reporters.