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Enrique’s future hinging on healing the Messi rift

Senior members of Barcelona squad met with Lionel Messi on Wednesday to discuss the Argentine’s dissatisfaction with coach Luis Enrique, hoping to prevent their bust-up undermining the club’s bid for trophies. Luis Enrique has found himself in the spotlight as the Catalan club struggles to keep pace with Real Madrid and his future could hinge on whether he can patch up his differences with the talismanic Messi.

Xavi and other influential players met Messi before training in an attempt to smooth the waters. There is no real surprise though that the situation has come to a head considering the domineering style of Luis Enrique and the way Messi, as Barca’s most influential player, has been used to receiving privileges. When former coach Pep Guardiola was in charge he resigned himself to allowing Messi to play virtually every match having faced the ire of the Argentinewhen he tried to rest him.

Other coaches similarly have concentrated on being pacifiers, notably Messi’s fellow countryman Tata Martino last season who was quick to defend the player when his form dropped and he appeared to lack interest. The four-time World Player of the Year is believed to be unhappy with the no-nonsense style of Enrique and his tactics this season. Barca are second in La Liga, a point behind Real Madrid who have a game in hand.
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