Enrique’s incredible crisis

It’s difficult to look past Barcelona’s much talked about defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad when considering the defining moments of Luis Enrique’s first season in charge at Camp Nou. The first game back after the winter break plunged the club into a crisis that makes their quest for a treble that is now just one victory away all the more incredible.

After leaving the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Ivan Rakitic, Gerard Pique and Dani Alves on the bench at Anoeta, the loss seemed to render Enrique’s position untenable. Enrique’s relationship with Messi appeared to be at breaking point, with reports suggesting that the Coach was just one more disagreement with the Argentinian superstar away from getting the sack.

It was claimed Messi was frustrated at Enrique’s tinkering, which at various times included leaving the influential Rakitic out of the side, a strange tactical setup against Paris Saint-Germain, and dropping Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves for Marc Bartra and debutant Douglas in a draw at Malaga in late September.

Messi didn't turn up to an open training session the day after the loss to Sociedad, and sporting director Andoni Zubizaretta was sacked. To compound the discord in Catalonia, rivals Real Madrid had been on a run of 22 straight victories in all competitions, having scored three or more goals in 16 of these games, and looked unstoppable at the summit of La Liga.

Barca responded to the defeat against David Moyes’ side by winning their remaining seven games in January, scoring 26 goals in the process. Enrique allowed his stubbornness take a back seat as he began to rotate the side much less than in the first half of the season.

There was a hiccup in mid-February courtesy of a shock 1-0 home defeat against Malaga, but from this game Enrique presided over a run-in where only two more points were dropped before the title was sewn up. Indeed, after January 4, Barca won 30 of 34 games, scoring 104goals, at an average of over three per game.

The 45-year-old has still not named an unchanged lineup this season, partly because of his goalkeeper rotation for the Cup competitions, but the combination of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez has not been tampered with in the second part of the campaign, with each player featuring when fit.

A huge part of Barcelona’s improvement has undoubtedly been the resurgence of Messi, who has recaptured the form that saw him win an unprecedented four Ballon D’Or titles in a row. The impact of Suarez as he has settled into life in Catalonia should not be underestimated and has enabled Enrique to boast one of the most impressive attacks in football history.

The famed trident has now struck 120 goals across all competitions to set a Spanish record, and poses Juventus with a huge headache ahead of the weekend’s showpiece in Berlin. Enrique should be credited for moving Messi out to what is essentially an inside right position, not the easiest thing to do with a man of such standing in the game, but a decision that proved crucial.

Considering the Copa del Rey success and an opportunity to secure the treble on Saturday, Enrique could point to his tinkering earlier in the season as another key component of his success this season. As the front three take the headlines, the team that builds the platform has looked fit and fresh as the campaign draws to an end.

It’s incredible to think that Enrique’s position at the club is an issue of debate, with the former Spain international admitting: “My future does not depend on the final of the Champions League. It's not decided yet.”

The former Barca midfielder would not be lacking in offers if he left after just one season, but the relationship with Messi could be a major factor in what happens over the summer. Enrique took a back seat during celebrations of his side’s two trophies so far, but was sought out by the Argentinian for congratulation on both occasions, while there were hugs upon qualification for the Champions League final.

It’s difficult to see Enrique enjoying the same bond with Messi as the No 10 did with Pep Guardiola, but the current boss can emulate his predecessor by winning the treble in his first season in charge. It would be some turnaround considering the crisis that Barcelona found themselves in at the start of the year.

La Liga - Club News