Barcelona need more from Lionel Messi, says coach Luis Enrique

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique wants more from Lionel Messi

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was glowing in his praise of forward Lionel Messi after the Argentine led them to a resounding 5-1 win over Espanyol in the Catalan derby, but also said that they expect more from him.

"Until the goal came, it was a quiet match, one which we were accustomed because our rivals kept it tight," he said after the match.

“The key was the equalizer before the break and then in the second half, everything became simpler. It's good to tire your opponents at the start of the match, when they are still very fresh. Getting back to 1-1 gave us strength. I saw the team wanting to retouch a few things, and we solved those issues at the start of the second half.

“The team have competed well in all the League matches. We've played our best games before and after [the Clasico]. You quickly get used to decisive players in your team. We want Leo to contribute to the team and not just in attack. We want maximum involvement from him, and that's important for the club.

“We always seek balance. We only make changes for the good of the team. We attack and defend as a unit, and we must do so with order.”

Looking forward to their Champions League fixture with Paris Saint-Germain, Enrique said, "I don't know if PSG are in their best condition, but they're still a good side. For us Wednesday is perfect, and we must win and compete like [the situation] deserves us to. We know our opponents. Ibra has recovered and they've rested many players. I hope they suffer more in defence here than at the Parc des Princes."