Luis Enrique says that he does not keep any secrets from star striker Lionel Messi.
The Barcelona manager was asked questions about substituting Lionel Messi for the first time this year. The star striker was taken off in the 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao during the weekend. Messi continued his incredible record in front of goal by scoring in yet another game to take his league tally to 16 for the season. He has scored from a free kick. Just as Messi was withdrawn, it became clear that the striker was not happy with the decision.
However, the manager appeared to take the decision in order to keep him as fresh as possible with the Champions League about to resume. Enrique says that he is always discussions with Messi about his physical condition. Hence, there is no chance of the player being unaware about the decision to substitute him.
The decision to take off the Argentine superstar is also important considering that Barcelona have a crucial game against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey. The Catalan club have a 2-1 advantage over the Madrid outfit, but the tie is far from being decided. Enrique says that he maintains this stance of ‘no secrets’ with every player in the squad.
"I normally talk to my players about everyday situations and there are not really any secrets. Every coach talks to their players. Imagine not talking to Lionel Messi - that would be ridiculous.Those kinds of things happen every day, including with other players, but I don't want to get into the details of those discussions," said Luis Enrique. Messi has now failed to score or assist in only one out of the last 10 games for Barcelona. He has scored the same number of goals as Luis Suarez – 16.