Football
9y

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique unfazed by Lionel Messi speculation

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says he is not worried about Lionel Messi's commitment to the club, despite the forward's suggestions this week that he could leave next summer.

Messi's future has again become a subject of debate this week in the wake of the Argentina captain saying that he was only focusing on this season at Barca, and that anything could happen in the future.

These comments have been widely viewed -- especially in the Madrid media -- as evidence that Messi is again feeling underappreciated by some at the Camp Nou.

The 27-year-old's father, Jorge, did little to quell the speculation by saying that if the Barca board decided to accept an offer from elsewhere then a move would be considered.

Enrique told Friday's news conference that he would not comment on what Messi had said, but added that he had only ever heard the player indicate that he was happy and proud to be at Barca.

"Whenever I have heard Leo speaking he has said he is delighted to be at Barca, and there is no problem," Enrique said. "I do not comment on speculation or rumours. I stick to the message that he likes it here and he is proud to defend the Barca shirt. I have not spoken to him about this in particular. I do not usually talk to players about their comments."

Questioned about concerns that these latest issues over Messi's long-term future would affect the atmosphere for Saturday's La Liga game at home to Sevilla, with the supporters especially sensitive after a recent poor run of form, Enrique said he did not expect any problems.

"The fans will receive the team as they have done all season," he said. "The players are not machines and during the season there will be ups and downs. The Camp Nou public know full well what the team needs over the season."

The Messi speculation has taken attention away from Barca going into the international break in poor form, with the team on the way to a third consecutive La Liga loss before Luis Suarez came off the bench to spark a turnaround 2-1 win at struggling Almeria.

After that game Enrique was critical of his side, however, on reflection he said the performance had not been quite so poor, while there were still things Barca could improve upon.

"The first half at Almeria was our worst of the season, but the second half was not that bad," he said. "We resolved a situation which had become difficult. [However] we can improve in all aspects. To be more effective when we have the ball, and to give less chances to our opponents."

Summer signing from Sevilla, Ivan Rakitic, looks sure to play against his old team, while Jeremy Mathieu and Rafinha Alcantara have been declared fit again after recent injury issues. Andres Iniesta, however, has yet to be given the all-clear to return after a month out with a calf problem.

"Iniesta is much better," Enrique said. "He has not yet been declared fully fit, but he is able to participate in training with us."

Sevilla travel to Catalonia having taken just one point from their last two games, after briefly almost topping the table a few weeks back.

The Andalucians have picked up just one point from their last 10 visits to the Camp Nou, although Unai Emery's side were unfortunate to lose 3-2 last season after an injury-time goal by Alexis Sanchez.

"It is obvious that Emery is one of the top coaches, on the national and international level," Enrique said. "He always causes problems for Barca. Sevilla are a team who press you, and cause you problems in your own half. They are also good at set pieces and transitions. For sure they can cause us problems."

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