Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has backed boss Luis Enrique to have a long career with the club.
Speaking to Barcelona TV’s ‘La Porteria’ programme, Bartomeu insisted the Asturian is the ideal Coach for the Catalans, whilst also reiterating his belief that Lionel Messi will be at the Camp Nou for a few years to come.
“Luis Enrique is ideal for Barca and I feel he is going to have a long career with us,” declared Bartomeu.
“As for any possible bad relationship with Messi, both of them deny everything that was said. Messi is happy and mentally well with a huge desire to win trophies this year.
“He is the No 1 player in the world, although the awards are given to others, but he’s ambitious and wants to win.
“He’s having a great season, is our leader, and acts as such. We have Messi for a lot of years and don’t want to sell him.
“He forms the best forward line in the world alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez. We are the envy of other clubs.”
Bartomeu was also invited to comment on the club’s transfer ban until January next year, following irregularities in the signing of young players from outside Spain, with the Catalans having severed ties with FIFA until it is lifted.
“The ban is absurd and we are not contemplating an amnesty. [FIFA President] Blatter has taken the first step and the ball is in his court. We’d be happy to meet him to come to some agreement.
“We know FIFA has opened proceedings against other La Liga clubs,” he claimed.
