Luis Enrique insists he has the full backing of the Barcelona players despite continued rumours of dressing room unrest.
The Barca boss has come under fire following last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, when he decided to leave Lionel Messi, Neymar, Gerard Pique and Ivan Rakitic on the bench, while this week has also seen director of football Andoni Zubizarreta and former player Carles Puyol depart the club.
However, Enrique told a Press conference that his relationship with the players and in particular Messi, with whom he is alleged to have had an altercation in training, has not changed.
“A coach’s continuity always depends on results and that’s the first thing we are taught at coaching school,” he told reporters ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey game with Elche.
“But I feel I have the backing of the club and the players. I’m absolutely sure of that and will carry on working with the same professional approach.
“It’s not my job to confirm or deny what the Press write. My job is to do what’s best for Barcelona and my relationship with the players is the same as it was at the start of the season, although in some ways those relationships are better than before.
“I speak to all of them individually and don’t count how many meetings we have, nor do I publicise what is said.
“I’ve said it many times. Messi is the most important player in the world and the best in our squad.”
Enrique was also asked to comment on Messi missing training on Monday with gastroenteritis, which was greeted with some scepticism by the Spanish media.
“Rafinha had an ear infection and Messi had gastroenteritis, which meant they both missed Monday’s session. Mathieu, who has an ankle problem, was also unable to train,” he asserted
