What Is the Minimum Required from Luis Enrique for Him to Be Judged a Success?

Luis Enrique has inherited something of a poisoned chalice at Barcelona.

Rightly or wrongly, he is likely to be unfairly judged against Pep Guardiola's benchmark team in the same way that Tito Vilanova and Tata Martino have been.

Both previous incumbents were successful in their own way but this is instantly and conveniently glossed over and forgotten.

Vilanova equalling the 100-point mark set the previous season by Jose Mourinho's all-conquering Real Madrid side, on the way to a deserved La Liga triumph.

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Martino, until the very last weeks of last season, had an almost mirror image of Pep's record from his first season.

Yet in this game perception is key. Tata just wasn't a "Barca man" so his achievements in the role were often demeaned.

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A hard-fought Spanish Supercup win against Atletico Madrid, still unbeaten in all competitions going into November and an epic El Clasico win at the Santiago Bernabeu. Yes, there certainly were some great moments for Tata.

Which brings us nicely back to Enrique. What does this hero of the Camp Nou terraces need to do to ensure that he is considered a success in the manager's role?

How does he convince the working-class Catalan and Barcelonista that he is the real deal?

Remember we are not talking about the second coming of Guardiola here, but the emergence of "Lucho" in his own right.

Given that Xavi had already noted, per FC Barcelona.com, that the competitive spirit in training had returned after the malaise of Tata's sessions, is a return to the Barca way enough to satisfy these most demanding of punters in what is, in fact, quite a transitional season?

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He [Luis Enrique] spoke very clearly to me and made it clear that I was starting anew, just like everyone else and that I had to show what I could do in training, just like the rest of the squad.

I like to feel that way. I know him from way back and I have a good relationship with him. I am starting again, feeling strong and excited.

"

If we look back at the transfer business that the club has undertaken this summer, it's not far off a root and branch clear out of the "deadwood" in the squad.

With a large number of new players needing to settle in, too, is it entirely fair to burden the manager with such heightened expectations? After all, every new signing takes time to adjust. So many over such a short period is bound to impact the equilibrium.

Perhaps only some silverware will do.

Not able to contest this year's Supercup, Enrique is left to compete for the Copa del Rey, La Liga and Champions League.

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With the latter not impossible but unlikely at this juncture, would a solid La Liga triumph represent progress in the minds of many?

Barca have already shown in the first two matches of the season how hard they will be to beat, and indeed are already the only team in the league to boast a 100 percent record. After just two games!

It's not beyond the realms of possibility that some cules will want an unbeaten season. After all, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in-situ, they'll be too strong for everyone...won't they?

Such ill-considered opinion appears to justify the narrative. A narrative that sadly begins and ends with the Sextuple, a once-in-155-years event.

It continues to be a millstone around the necks of anyone that has followed Guardiola into management.

Will it weigh heaviest on Luis Enrique?

What would be your minimum requirement for Luis Enrique to be considered successful in his first season? Leave your comments below.