Neymar and Luis Enrique 'Problem' Reportedly Threatens Barcelona Harmony
Despite Barcelona being in charge of the destiny of the La Liga championship, fresh reports have spoken of potential disharmony at the Camp Nou between Neymar and manager Luis Enrique.
Santi Gimenez of AS says, "The attitude of Neymar is a problem for Barcelona," citing Enrique's communication issues with his star players as a reason.
The manager substituted the Brazilian kingpin during the Blaugrana's match with Sevilla on Saturday, and the player appeared to challenge his coach's decision to remove him, making angry gestures.
Enrique has struggled to control his big players this season despite topping the table in Spain. Earlier in the campaign, the manager had a heated exchange with Lionel Messi, and he recently scorned Luis Suarez after the player commented on his tactical position, per Gimenez.
However, the Spaniard has chosen to dismiss any talk of a rift with Neymar, much as he did with Messi previously, as quoted by Gimenez: "I'm not interested in stupid things. For me, the only thing that interests me is football."
Neymar has been in tremendous form for Barca during the current season, and he has grown into an ever-increasing influence on the team's style.
Neymar has found the net on 18 occasions in La Liga in just 22 appearances this term, per WhoScored.com, but the manager continues to substitute him when Barca need to protect a lead, as was the case in the 2-2 draw at Sevilla.
However, it appears the central egos at the club do not have an issue with one another despite the apparent discomfort with their manager.
Speaking ahead of Barcelona's clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Gerard Pique says the team's three attacking talents have no issues or jealousy surrounding their involvement, per Sport:
"I have never seen a relationship like the one between Suarez, Neymar and Messi. We are talking of three of the best players in the world. When you're a footballer people always think you are selfish, but these three have a perfect relationship and they understand each other really well. There is no jealousy between them and I think that is clear on the pitch.
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The problem appears to be with Enrique—and the manager must stamp his authority on the situation before it explodes.
As Barca sit on top of La Liga, serious issues are unlikely to manifest. However, a couple of bad results could initiate a tsunami of problems, and it feels like there will be trouble for the coach sooner or later.
Neymar is a world-class talent and a genuine superstar, but he cannot publicly defy his manager's choices, whether they are right or wrong.
Gimenez concluded Enrique must teach Neymar a lesson by "[dropping the player] to the bench on Wednesday when Barcelona visit PSG in the Champions League," but this would be impossible given the stakes involved.
However, the coach must find a way to tame his fiery players; otherwise, anarchy will reign supreme during darker moments.
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