My relationship with the best player in the world Messi is perfect, says Enrique

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has denied his relationship with Lionel Messi has deteriorated since the start of the season and repeated his claim that the Argentine is the best player in the world.

Hmmm, for me, I don't think so, he is simply covering up for the media, but the truth is, Messi and Mr Enrique doesn't have a perfect relationship now and for me, rightly so, because of the inexcusable error he made with the starting eleven against Real Sociedad on Saturday. My take on this matter, who agrees with me? Continue for the complete press conference from Mr Enrique after the cut.


Speaking ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey clash with Elche, Luis Enrique said: "I have the same relationship with all the players that I had at the start. Nothing has changed except the fact we know each other better."

In a press conference dominated by questions relating to his relationship with Messi, Luis Enrique refused to comment on the various rumours flying around Catalonia  - including one suggesting the pair almost came to blows in a training ground bust-up last week.

"Things that happen between the team and the players will be kept between the team and the players. My job is not to discuss these rumours," he added.

"I try to keep away from rumours and please understand I cannot confirm or deny the rumours in the press, there are so many of them. I am going to keep doing my job as professionally as I can. I am here to serve the club.

"It seems all the news is negative at the moment. There will be problems throughout the season but it's up to us to work it out. Some things are best kept within the squad."

After declaring Messi "the best player in the world and therefore the best player in our squad", Luis Enrique made it clear his main objective was the well-being of the group as a whole and denied suggestions he has been given an ultimatum by the board to improve results.

"The group is more important than any individual but you don't treat all the players the same," he said, before emphasising his happiness in his current role.

"Things always depend on results, that's the first thing when you take over as a manager, that's normal. But I do feel supported by the club and the players. I don't have any doubts in that respect. I am working as professionally as ever.

"I have nothing to feel sorry about regarding my relationship with any of my players. A manager needs to deal with his players and that's what I am doing. We are judged on what happens at the end of the season.

"I feel confident and motivated, there has not been any ultimatum.

"There are things I cannot control but generally, no, I have the same faith in my players as ever. I wasn't happy with the Real Sociedad result especially after Real Madrid lost. It was a wasted opportunity. That affects everybody but these things are always going to happen at certain stages of the season."

There have been suggestions Luis Enrique and Messi are no longer on speaking terms but the former Roma coach dismissed them out of hand, adding: "I speak to all the players in my squad, of course I do. But there are 52 players here so you can't speak to them all individually every day. There are some players I speak to more, some less."

Barcelona have given the impression of a club in turmoil in recent days with the scrutiny on Messi and Luis Enrique added to by the dismissal of director of football Andoni Zubizarreta on Monday.

Luis Enrique admits he was sad to see the former Barca goalkeeper, and his number two Carles Puyol, leave the club.

"It was sad news for me, not just because he was one of the people who brought me here," he said. "We had a relationship when I was in charge of the B team. Him, and the rest of his team, were well qualified to work here. He is a loyal, honest man who was dedicated to his work."