Messi has a lot of clout but Luis Enrique is in charge - Pique

The centre-back has insisted that the Argentina international is not the one making the decisions and has defended Neymar against recent criticism


Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has admitted that Lionel Messi is a powerful dressing-room figure but has stressed that head coach Luis Enrique is the one calling the shots at Camp Nou.

There have been widespread reports that Luis Enrique's relationship with Messi is beyond repair following a falling out between the two men last month, with French defender Jeremy confirming a training ground bust-up.

Pique, too, has now confirmed the duo had an argument, but insists Luis Enrique has full control of the dressing room and does not play second-fiddle to Messi.

"Luis Enrique calls the shots more than Messi, obviously," Pique told Spanish radio programme El Partido de las 12. "He's the coach, the boss, though Leo has a lot of clout in the dressing room.

"There are disagreements in every squad. Luis Enrique and Messi had a spat, but it's a thing of the past.

"Messi is the best ever."

Pique also spoke about his own future at Barca, revealing that he wants to retire at his boyhood club.

"I love this profession more and more each day and I'd like to keep on playing," said the 28-year-old.

"I can safely say that I plan to retire here at Barca, whether that's at the end of this season or six years from now. I won't play for another club."

The Spain international then went on to defend Neymar against recent accusations that he provokes his opponents during matches.

"Nobody can say if Neymar will go on to be even better than Messi, but I can say that he is not a provocateur," Pique added.



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