Luis Enrique has discussed the role of Lionel Messi this season and answered questions regarding his position alongside Neymar and new signing Luis Suarez.
Speculation regarding Messi’s role for Barcelona this coming La Liga season has continued to fill the back pages of Catalan papers this summer with many predicting he could be used in a similar role to Xavi, whom is edging closer and closer to retiring from the game.
Luis Suarez’s arrival from Liverpool added to that speculation from fans and pundits of the game, but new Barca boss Luis Enrique has said that Messi will play just as an important a role as he always has for the Catalan side.
“Leo has so many options that we can’t close off any to him,” he told reporters.
“He will have total freedom to move in attacking situations.
“He is the best in the world, without a doubt, and we adapt to his mobility.”
Enrique did confirm that neither Messi or Neymar would face Leon in the Joan Gamper on Monday evening at Camp Nou.
“We’re not at 100 per cent, which is no surprise at this stage. But the squad have trained harder than I expected.
“They have made sacrifices and I am 100 per cent optimistic. The fans will like what they see [on Monday].”