Barcelona are showing how to play, but Madrid have failed - Cruyff

Johan Cruyff believes Barcelona have shown the correct way to play football this season, while Real Madrid completely failed to improve their team after last year's Champions League win.

Having won the league title with a win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, Luis Enrique's men remain on course to win the domestic and European treble, as they wait to contest the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao as well as the Champions League final with Juventus.

Cruyff believes the tables have turned between the top two teams in Spain and it is Barca who are once again showing the world the correct way to play.

“This season is the reverse of last year. Barcelona have shown how to play," he told reporters. "They have played big matches, scored big goals, and they deserve the success 100 per cent.

"Madrid have not brought in the players that they had to bring in. It's obvious that it has not worked as it was supposed to work."

The Barca icon touched on the importance of star players Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi to the club's success and insists that it would be strange if Luis Enrique were to be sacked after such a bright campaign.

“The three forwards are very good footballers. It seemed logical that they would work well together. Last year there were lots of little problems like complaints and fiscal problems which held the team back.

"I don’t know if Luis Enrique will stay. I do not know the interior matters. If you look at the results, it would be strange if he was to leave.”

The uncertainty surrounding the coach's job stems from reports of an unstable relationship with Mess, which makes Cruyff wonder how much influence the Argentine has beyond his playing capabilities.

“Messi is a player that is important to the club, not just in a footballing sense. He needs to work with someone that he likes. I am not saying that Messi does not like Luis Enrique.

"The question is if Messi has an influence over who the club signs or who they sell. His quality is measured by the results.

"He can't accept someone coming to Barca if they are not going to perform. He has learned a lot in recent years from decisions taken by the directors.”

Cruyff, who won four Liga titles and a Champions League crown as Barcelona coach, was asked if Messi is the best player of all time.

“There are always exaggerations. For the sale of newspapers it’s important, but I am not going to go there," he replied. "Di Stefano was exceptional, Pele was exceptional. I see the debate as a childish game."