Luis Enrique: "We will monitor Samper's progress"

FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique appeared before the press on Thursday, for the first time since the summer break.

There were plenty of issues to be covered, from the goalkeeping position to the attempted signing of another forward, and the coach had his say on them all.

Asked about the situations of Martin Montoya and Cristian Tello, who returned earlier than expected from their holidays having spent last season on loan elsewhere, the Barça coach commented:

"They are not in my plans, they know this. The sooner they find a club, the better, both for them and for us."

He confirmed that the team needs another forward player:

"We want a pure striker, someone who can get in the area, without looking to dribble so much. He has to have faith and enthusiasm to join us, and there are many players like that."

The topic of the team's starting goalkeeper has been a hot topic.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is rumoured to be unhappy at only being first choice in the cup competitions, as Chilean Claudio Bravo played the league fixtures.

Youth team product Jordi Masip makes up the trio of keepers in the first team squad.

Luis Enrique stated: "I am delighted with the keepers we have. All three are under contract, the goalkeeping position is well covered. I will handle the issue as I have always done, but I have not yet decided what I am going to do.

"I want all three to stay here, but if one of them comes and pays his release clause, everything is negotiable. We shall see."

Lionel Messi had an eventful summer, announcing his international retirement following Argentina's defeat in the Copa America final to Chile.

The Asturian gave his opinion on the matter: "There are always topics of controversy, we have to stand aside from all that. I don't think it will affect Leo.

"I wouldn't say him retiring from internationals is ideal, but he will have less strain on his body with fewer games.

"He will come back with a lot of motivation to play football, which is what he most likes to do."

Sergi Samper has become a member of the first team squad, though it remains to be seen whether he will be at Camp Nou once the season gets underway.

Luis Enrique said: "We will monitor his progress. We have the option to keep him with us, and also of allowing him to join another first division club on loan to get playing time.

"He is a pure central midfielder, who can provide us with quality minutes of play, which allows others to rest."