Luis Enrique stands up for 'always respectful' Lionel Messi
The coach spoke about Messi's four-game ban from the world football governing body
Lucho explained that the star is polite to officials and is never involved in controversy
Luis Enrique, FC Barcelona coach, has defended Leo Messi, who was banned for four games by FIFA for insulting an assistant referee.
“He’s a player who has always been extremely respectful with referees, never in conflict and always under pressure with all eyes on him. His behaviour seems impeccable to me,” said the coach, when asked about the Argentine star—who is also suspended for Barcelona’s clash with Granada on Sunday night.
When told how few fouls Messi had committed (most of the bookings have come for protesting), Lucho added: “The numbers seem incredible to me. He’s a player who doesn’t generate controversy.”
Messi trained despite not being able to play on Sunday and Luis Enrique was happy that he chose to do so. He added: “He’s unique. He preferred to come and be with the team, he’s not affected. I see him at his best level.”
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