the stands", Quique Setien joked as Las Palmas
prepare to host Barcelona.
Stopping five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi is
arguably the hardest task in LaLiga and football,
with Barca's all-time leading goalscorer continuing
to spearhead the club's bid for a LaLiga three-
peat.
Messi has scored a league-high 35 goals this
season, while the 29-year-old has 51 in all
competitions.
Asked how to stop Messi and Barcelona – who are
level on points with Real Madrid atop the table –
Las Palmas head coach Setien told reporters: "With
a few snipers from the stand.
"When these players are in their best form they are
unstoppable, and when they are together, Messi,
Neymar and [Luis] Suarez multiply their
effectiveness and no one can stop them.
"Let's see if they fall asleep a little during the
game, which is the only thing we can really hope
for."
Sunday's clash will be Setien's final match at
Estadio Gran Canaria ahead of his departure at
season's end.
Differences with the Las Palmas board have led to
Setien's impending exit and the 58-year-old said:
"I know that Barcelona are fighting for the league,
but to me nothing would be more satisfying than
giving our fans a bit of joy.
"I would finish happy if we can win or get a draw
off the back of a good performance. For me it is a
special game, I would like the team to win.
"The reality is, and I accept that, some fans do not
consider that I have done my work as I should, and
I will take this criticism with humility. I will always
remember this island.
"I leave with the recognition of the vast majority
and the satisfaction that the team has played well
to achieve things that many years ago this club
were incapable of, and that's what I will
remember."
Las Palmas are 14th in LaLiga, 12 points clear of
the relegation zone with two matches remaining.
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