Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman says the club believe they can reduce the suspension of Lionel Messi.

Messi was sent off for thumping Asier Villalibre as Barca lost the Supercopa de Espana final to Athletic Bilbao.

Koeman said, “The expulsion of Lionel Messi? We trained, he trained hard and I didn't see anything unusual about him. Everyone was sad about the Supercopa result but we are moving forward.

"We are on the right path. We have to improve defensively, but we are on the right track and Leo is very involved in this area.

"The sanction of Lionel Messi? The club told me it was two games (suspension). The club does not agree and we will see. There are things that can be defended and that is the club's business.

"With any luck, they will reduce the penalty. Otherwise we will play two games without Messi."