Luis Enrique: "From my point of view there is no Lionel Messi issue"

Luis Enrique's press conference for Saturday night's match against Sevilla turned into a talk about Lionel Messi - a figure who has dominated this week's proceedings. 

The Barça boss said: "For me there is no Messi issue. I'm sure that the fans will receive Messi and the team like they have done all season [against Sevilla]. 

"This is one of those moments when they need to be by the team's side and I have no doubts that that they won't be there for us.

"We are in a normal process - I'm talking about the defeats against Real Madrid and Celta Vigo and the problems against Almeria and Ajax - because the players are not machines.

"As for Messi, I've always heard that he has said he is happy at Barça and that there is no problem, that he feels proud to defend the shirt. 

"I won't comment on what he has said, that's for him to do. I have not even spoke with him about his quotes."

And Luis Enrique didn't even want to discuss president Jose Maria Bartomeu's opinion that some certain sections of the press are out to get Messi.

"I focus on getting the best out of my players," he continued. "And making sure they are in the best condition to compete."

One dangerous question directed at the Barça coach was that Lionel Messi could some day move to Real Madrid, making the opposite move to that which Luis Enrique made in his playing days.

"I focus on what Leo says, his pride at being here from the beginning [of his career]," was the answer. "The rest I will leave to you."

SEVILLA UP NEXT

Luis Enrique also spoke about the importance of the meeting with Sevilla at Camp Nou, which sees the return of some Barcelona loanees. Here are his phrases:

Unai Emery and Barça: "Emery hasn't won against Barça but it's evident that he is on of the top managers at national and international level. He's one of the managers that has always caused Barça problems and knows how to do damage to teams.

Sevilla: "They press high, dominate transitions with quick players and also have a good strategy for set plays. It's a very Emery style, very intense, potent... They will make things very difficult for us."

Gerard Deulofeu and Denis Suarez: "I imagine they want to demonstrate that they are useful players. They're getting minutes at Sevilla; we know they are dangerous players with quality.

"It doesn't surprise me [the good form of] Denis Suarez. He's adapted quickly; plays in a position that benefits him. But there is always an expectancy when these players appear in the Primera. We are happy to see them at the top level with a manager that demands a lot from them."

Would you put a clause in to stop them playing? "When the game ends I will tell you... At Barça this is how we do it, we decide that they can play and run certain risks. It has good things and bad things."

Suarez and Messi positions: "We play with three players in attack and have to be balanced. In function, where we think there is space, we will place one and another inside or out because they can both play there, they can both play the two positions. What is undeniable is that the more Messi is involved, the better for us."

Andres Iniesta: "He's better. He's still not had the medical all-clear, but soon he will."

Thomas Vermaelen: "He's a player who was injured for the whole of the last season and needs time to adapt and now is available for me. I see him fantastic, strong and optimistic. Now it is up to me when I incorporate him."

THE SITUATION IN LA LIGA

Margin for error? "The margin for error is always tiny at these type of clubs. Of course, that also depends on what the other teams do. Last year the league didn't get decided until the very final minutes of the season. I expect it will be open until the end this season, so there is margin for error but it will depend on the performances of each team.