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Luis Enrique: Messi is our leader, not Neymar

Luis Enrique: Messi is our leader, not Neymar

The Barcelona coach has dismissed the idea of the Brazilian forward single-handedly leading his side's attack in the absence of the Argentina international
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says Neymar will not be put under pressure to take the attacking burden left by Lionel Messi's injury absence.

The Catalan club are expected to remain without Messi's services until the middle of November, although Neymar showed signs of filling the Argentina superstar's boots with a four-goal haul in Saturday's 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou.

Opinions have been divided whether Neymar can step in for Messi until he regains full fitness, but Luis Enrique was quick to take the pressure of being Barca's focal point in attack off the 23-year-old's shoulders.

"We try to work as a group," the coach said. "We have our leader in Leo Messi, we cannot seek new leaders constantly."

However, speaking alongside his coach ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with BATE, Barca's Sergio Busquets said the Brazilian can fill in for Messi

"Neymar has the capability to be a leader in the absence of Leo," the midfielder stated. "He's one of those players who can make the team feel better." 

Barca have kept just two clean sheets in all competitions this term, relying on outgunning their opponents as they sit top of their Champions League group and level on points with La Liga leaders, and fierce rivals, Real Madrid.

"What is important is our path throughout the season, we are aware that we need to improve," Luis Enrique added.

"When we have a defensive situation in which we are conceding too many goals, it is not just a problem in the defence, but the entire team, starting with the coach.

"We never stop trying to find solutions as a group and we are working every week. In our last game I think the problems were solved."
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