Pep Guardiola has stressed that he is not concerned about Lionel Messi's form ahead of the second leg of Barcelona's Champions League semi-final tie against Chelsea at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening.
The Argentine was unable to find the back of the net in the 1-0 loss against the Blues last week and in the 2-1 Clasico loss to Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.
Despite the mini drought, Guardiola feels there is no reason to worry ahead of Tuesday's return.
"I never allow myself to be concerned about Messi. Not even if he doesn’t score for 27 matches," Guardiola stated at a press conference.
"I give him tranquillity and the right to not have to score goals until he wants to. He’s scored a brutal amount of goals this season.
"Let him play, be happy and be who he’s always been. His ambition helps us all."
The match at Camp Nou kicks off at 20.45CET.
Goal.com will be running a dedicated LIVE! on Tuesday from 15.00-00.00BST to keep you up to date with all the latest news, views and analysis on the second leg of the Champions League semi-final tie between Barcelona and Chelsea, while also offering you the chance to ask our Football Editors any questions you have on the contest.
Guardiola: Messi's form doesn't worry me
By Stefan Coerts | GOAL.com – Tue, Apr 24, 2012 2:33 PM SGT
View PhotoMessi threatens legal action against Hungarian magazine after denying 'dumb' int …
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