Luis Enrique has praised Martin Montoya's 'exemplary' attitude at Barcelona and sympathised with the defender's plight.
The right-back has long been linked with a departure from La Blaugrana after finding opportunities at Camp Nou hard to come by in recent seasons.
However, the Coach insisted the 23-year-old's absence from the first team was purely a 'technical decision', as he praised his protégé’s commitment in training.
"Montoya's an example, not only as a player but as a person and for his professionalism," he stated at a Press conference today.
"His situation is tough for him, but it's only a technical matter. I can only say that he's working hard in training and never gives up.
"He's going through a difficult situation for any player. I have no doubt that he's a player of the highest level, even at the club.
"I'm sorry for him because I’ve had a great relationship with him since before I arrived here, but I need to make decisions for the best of the team."
However, Luis Enrique had some better news on Andres Iniesta, whom he revealed returned to light training this week.
"Iniesta has been discharged from hospital and is doing well," he added.
"He's clearly improved and worked with his teammates this week, but it's logical that we should be cautious and patient with him because he still needs to regain 100 per cent of his sensations.
"[Light training] is a step forward for him. Now we must be prudent. I always miss a player who is injured, but much more if it's Iniesta."
