Lionel Messi has complete freedom to play wherever he likes, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has admitted.
The playing position of the Argentine star was up for debate this summer with speculation that incoming boss Enrique would end his days as a ‘false nine’ deep-lying forward and convert him into a more traditional playmaker.
It was also thought Enrique would attempt to take a stricter approach with Messi, forcing him to become just another member of the team rather than the man around whom everything revolves.
But less than two months into the season, Enrique has admitted that Messi can essentially do whatever he likes in an attempt to get himself involved in the action.
“Leo has complete freedom on the field of play, although not in the dressing room,” he said. “We adapt to him in order to get him on the ball as much as possible.”
Enrique also laughed off suggestions that he is seeking to lay down the law amongst his superstar players, refuting the claim that he has attempted to ‘mark his territory’ within the dressing room.
“I’m not a hunting dog,” he laughed. “The team is evolving by itself.”
Today’s trip to Rayo Vallecano presents an intriguing test and a rare opportunity to play against a team who will attempt to take on Barca at their own game rather than sitting back in defence.
Enrique admits he has great admiration for Rayo coach Paco Jemez, who has fashioned an exciting and attack-minded outfit despite working on a very limited budget. Famously, Rayo became the first team to command more possession of the ball than Barca in 317 games when the two sides met at the Vallecas last season, and Enrique has nothing but respect for their style of play.
“I like the team a lot,” he said. “They reduce the space on the pitch and they know how to play. They are one of the most attractive teams and Paco could manage one of the great teams.”
Enrique’s team are seeking to bounce back from their 3-2 midweek Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
