Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique still believes Lionel Messi to be the best player in world football.
The Argentine has recently returned home from World Cup duty, where he captained his country to the final only to miss out on the trophy to Germany.
He received criticism for some of his performances in Brazil, despite picking up the Golden Ball award, but his new club boss is in no doubt that he remains football’s biggest star.
“I understand there are others who think differently, but for me he continues to be the best,” Enrique said at a Press conference.
“We think that when he scores 60 goals it is normal and it isn’t. I think he can bring very good things to the team.
“My goal is to get the best out of all the players. For me and for many, Messi is the best in the world.”
The Coach then discussed what he wants to see from his team this season as they look to right the wrongs of last year’s trophy less campaign.
“Us Coaches want to have the best players. When Barca offered me the chance to sign, I knew how big the club is.
“We have very good players and we will need the help of everyone. We will have the best possible vision.
“I want the team to be true to its style and want to win. I want it to show good things, score goals, defend well, play away from home as if it were Camp Nou. That is what I would like.
“I hope and want the young players to make me use them. The doors to the first team are open, we want to be a team.
“We don’t want to be predictable and we want to have other options. The good thing for the players is that all of them have different options when we are attacking.
“It’s fantastic that the players are hungry and have ambition, we value that. We are looking to put together all the pieces in the puzzle.”
Enrique also discussed his plans in the transfer market, saying there has been no decision on the future of Dani Alves.
“It’s a long process, it’s not like going to the supermarket, getting things and taking them home.
“We are back in training, with a lot of open negotiations. I’m very happy in general.
“We want a centre-back, but we have to be alert to everything.
“Dani Alves has a contract and we will talk to him. We want to know what he wants and we will tell him what we want from him.”
Finally, the former Celta Vigo boss fielded questions on Javier Mascherano, Luis Suarez’s ban for biting and new signing Claudio Bravo.
“I like having versatile players and Javier is one of them. Having that possibility is pleasing.
“It’s [Suarez’s ban] something talked about by a lot of people and I am avoiding discussing it.
“He [Bravo] has sensational qualities, he is good with his feet and in the air. Being Barca goalkeeper is complicated and specific. You are called into little action and you always have to do it well.”
