Luis Suarez Discusses Lionel Messi's Injury, Barcelona Form, Jeers and More

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has described Lionel Messi as "irreplaceable" for the treble-winning champions as they struggle for form in the Argentina wizard's absence due to injury.   

In an interview with Hat Trick Barca on regional Catalan TV station TV3 (h/t AS), the controversial Uruguayan addressed the side's slow start to proceedings in 2015-16, comparing it to last season's early form and commenting that the team must work harder while Messi is out:

"

Last year too at the start we won games and we had the feeling we were there or thereabouts. In the second half though was where we were spectacular. 

Obviously with Leo it’s a lot easier, but without him I have to try to make it easy too and everybody has to take responsibility for his work and do it as well as possible. Nobody can take his place because he’s irreplaceable.

"

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Blaugrana fans have been letting their dissatisfaction known, booing the team after loses to Celta Vigo and Sevilla, with the Andalusia side stuck near the foot of the table before they humbled the champions. 

The run of results has seen Barca consigned to fourth place at present, behind Real Madrid, Celta and early leaders Villarreal, but their start is far from a disaster, sitting only a point behind the Yellow Submarine.

Suarez was critical of the Barcelona fanbase, who have been vocal during the difficult early weeks of the season as coach Luis Enrique tries to find a way to operate without their talisman, per Hat Trick Barca:

"

It doesn’t make any sense that they whistle the team. It’s not enjoyable for them to whistle for nothing, without any reason. Everything was brilliant when the treble was won, when the European Super Cup was won, and now for losing one or two games they’re criticising the side for a few things, which I don’t think makes sense.

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Suarez's personal campaign has started well, despite going missing at times in games. The No. 9 has scored five goals in eight La Liga and Champions League appearances, according to WhoScored.com, but his contribution hasn't been enough to keep the team practicing winning habits. 

The pressure will soon build on current boss Enrique if results do not improve fast, with the potential threat of former coach Pep Guardiola returning to the Camp Nou when his deal with Bayern Munich expires in the summer. Mark Ogden of the Daily Telegraph reports the Bavarian giants will attempt to hold on to the Spanish coach—but a return to Barca would surely tempt Guardiola if the team requires a new manager. 

Football writer Sergi Dominguez believes Guardiola will one day return to the Catalan club to finish the job he started: 

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Barca fans have short memories; the club was in a very similar position last year under Enrique but turned in one of their greatest-ever runs, winning La Liga and the Champions League, as well as the Copa del Rey.

Messi's absence was always going to be difficult to navigate, with the diminutive genius the heart and lungs of the team as they look to deconstruct opponents.

However, with the likes of Neymar and Suarez in their attack, the champions should have little problem dispatching the Spanish league sides, but the current issue appears to be motivation instead of lack of star talent.

Another defeat will leave Barca in a difficult place, allowing the Galacticos to pull away at the top of the table as they look to wrestle the title from their El Clasico rivals.