Lionel Messi is one of the top FC Barcelona players who is unhappy with the way coach Luis Enrique is running the team this season, reports indicate.
According to Marca, several "dressing-room heavyweights" voiced out their frustration over the decision-making of Enrique, particularly the lineup that he chose in their first "El Clasico" match against Real Madrid where they took a 3-1 beating last month.
"A number of the dressing-room heavyweights were none too pleased with some of his decisions in Madrid," Jose Felix Diaz of Marca said. "There are misgivings within the squad, particularly about the line-up chosen for the 'Clasico.' The word on the grapevine is that Lionel Messi took a dim view of what unfolded."
Diaz also insisted that Enrique should stop accusing the media for blowing things up, reiterating that the talks about the locker-room unrest came from sources who witnessed the tension during their loss to Real Madrid, which was followed by a 1-0 loss against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
In a news conference on Monday, Enrique played down the issues surrounding their team, pointing out that he is still focused on their long-term goals and not about the recent struggles.
"I am not concerned about the mood, I am just focused on preparing my players," Enrique said. "I am not concerned about the mood, I am just focused on preparing my players."
Enrique also admitted that he is aware of the people questioning his ideas that led to the slow start for Barcelona this season, but he reiterated that he has no plans to change his strategies. The 44-year-old manager said that he won't push the panic button just because of one disappointing loss.
"Everything is being questioned at the moment, I understand that, but I will remain faithful to my ideas," Enrique said via ESPN FC. "I will not change due to one loss, or many losses. We make judgments at the end of the season, on whether the objectives have been achieved. That is my way, and has always been at other clubs I have coached."
Barcelona will to bounce back from their two straight disappointing defeats when they go up against Ajax in the group stage of the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
