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On Friday, coach Frank Rijkaard announced that the team's defender was given a few days off to sort out personal problems. 24-year-old Brazilian player missed Thursday's training without permission, so he was invited to talk to the club's management that evening. The player will definitely not appear in the "El Clasico" taking place on Saturday. "This is not a punishment. I gave him time to rest and recover so that he can return full of energy in a few days," F. Rijkaard commented on his decision at a press conference. "He is not injured or sick. He is just going through a tough period right now, it's not easy for him. With this step, I want to help one of the players," the strategist explained. F. Rijkaard did not explain what problems the player is facing. It is worth mentioning that T. Motta has not been included in the lineup for the team's last three matches. "Such things can happen in any team and this is not the first time I have done this. It's not easy to be a player for Barcelona - I made this decision wishing the best for both him and the team. He is a great person, with whom I get along very well and he has always been and will be one of my favorite players. However, over time some things here have become too difficult for him," the Dutchman spoke about the Brazilian defender.
