Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar: The secret to the trident's happiness
The trident is happy. They have enjoyed and driven the team to 31 games without defeat. They are three players in a squad of 24 that have understood they are three beasts, as Iniesta described them on Sunday, who needed to find the best ecosystem to develop their game. The staff and the team have interiorised the code and behaviour of Leo Mess, Neymar and Luis Suarez, which allows them to do what they do with happiness.
The first step was taken after Anoeta, when Luis Enrique realised Neymar needed to be treated like a crack, and Luis Suarez too. He reached a deal with the three, that this season has continued to expand. They have total liberty to play how they want. The attacking movement is left to them, along with the free kicks and penalties. "As long as the plays like the penalty against Celta end in goals, there are no problems," said a source close to the staff.
The trident have free reign, but they know there is one cindition. The pact has to go two ways. The cracks cannot publically destabilise Luis Enrique. In this line, Neymar's words after the Celta Vigo game make sense. "Luis Enrique is the best coach I've had in my career," he said. The right answer, given the freedom the coach has given them.
In the case of Neymar, everything is exaggerated. Luis Enrique has gone from questioning his 'lambretta' against Athletic in the Copa del Rey final to defending him to the hilt in his press conferences. The Brazilian knows he has the coach by his side and only good words come out of his mouth about the Asturian. Luis Enrique is also capable of 'losing his voice' like in a recent press conference, when he is questioned about controversies to do with Neymar - his dribbles, his contract, his private life.
The staff and the cracks have their agreement. The other focus should be the contol of the rest of the dressing room. The trident takes the plaudits, but it's not as if the rest of the squad are nobodies. There are world champions, other players that have won it all, or would be the star of any other side they played for.
"The three up front go for it, and if the balance endures, it's thanks to the fact the rest of the squad are good people," Sport was told by a source. Translated, it means that the intelligence and constructive spirit of players like Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano keep the rest in line. Moreover, the attitude of the young players in the first team is also very good - without big egos. The new arrivals are also being integrated into this form of behaviour.
