Barca are bad teachers, says Del Horno
Chelsea defender Asier del Horno has accused Barcelona of teaching Lionel Messi “bad things”.
Left-back Del Horno was sent off for a challenge on the Argentine teenager as Chelsea lost the first leg of their Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday.
He accused Messi of “acting” and believes Barcelona are teaching their young star negative tactics.
“Acting is for showbusiness, football is still a sport,” Del Horno, who will miss the return leg at the Nou Camp through suspension, told the People.
“Messi is too young for these tricks. They are obviously teaching him bad things at Barcelona – negative things for his career. I am doubly upset with what happened.”
Del Horno believes he has been unfairly criticised for the challenge.
“I have always been a controlled player. I have never gone in to hurt anybody. I don’t know why Messi criticises me … he doesn’t know my career record.
“Talking for the sake of talking is easy after the euphoria of a victory, but I won’t let them get away with accusing me of deliberately going for him.
“I am upset because Barcelona are treating me like some kind of criminal over it.”
Meanwhile, Messi has revealed Barcelona players “hate” Chelsea.
“There are players here who hate Chelsea more than Real Madrid,” Messi told the News of the World. “I never thought I would hear myself say that.
“I also never thought I would see something worse than the Boca and River Plate rivalry or Brazil v Argentina – but this is.
“We would rather play Arsenal, Manchester United or anyone else than be on the pitch with Chelsea.”
