Luis Enrique: Barcelona not Messi- dependent

Luis Enrique: Barcelona not Messi- dependent

Luis Enrique: Barcelona not Messi- dependent

Luis Enrique feels Barcelona have shown
they can cope without Lionel Messi, even if
they are still a better team with the
Argentine forward.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has acknowledged
the Catalans are a better team with Lionel Messi,
but is adamant they are not reliant on the
Argentina international.
The reigning Liga champions have been without
Messi ever since he picked up a knee injury in
the win over Las Palmas in September and have
since won six out of eight games in all
competitions.
Luis Suarez and Neymar in particular have
stepped up in the 28-year-old's absence and Luis
Enrique feels Barcelona have shown they can
cope without Messi.
"That we are dependent on Messi is just
something the press keeps on mentioning. Of
course, we are better with Messi, but we have
shown that we can cope without him," the Barca
coach said at a news conference on Saturday.
"We have a great team and everybody has
stepped up in Messi's absence. Irrespective of
who is unavailable, we have a great team both
defensively and in attack.
"We are more than just Neymar and Suarez. We
should also look at how much the defence and
midfield contributes."
A number of recent reports suggested Messi will
not be fit in time for the Clasico against Real
Madrid on November 21, but Luis Enrique is
adamant the attacker's recovery is going
according to schedule.
"Messi's recovery is going very well," he added.
"Of course, I would prefer to have everyone
available all the time, but the player's health
always comes first. There is nothing worse for an
injured player than a recovery setback.
"Injured players will not be rushed back. They
will return when they are ready."