Barcelona coach Luis Enrique stands by his man-management of the players.

Sport says his relationship with Lionel Messi has deteriorated so much in recent weeks that Messi was considering leaving the club he joined at the age of 13.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room is positive, and we would like it to be like that outside as well," said the coach.

Asked about his relationship with Leo Messi on several occasions, Luis Enrique maintained: "Things that go on in the dressing room stay there. I do not confirm or deny anything. My job is to be coach." He continued: "I have the same relationship with the players that I had at the beginning. Nothing at all has changed. Perhaps we all know each other a little better. In that sense I think there has been an improvement.

"I don't have anything to regret on a personal level with any of the players. I try to mark an overall objective of winning trophies at the end of the season and we are on the way," he added. The Barça coach continued, explaining: "I don't treat all my children the same way and I don't with the players. But there are general rules that have to be respected. The squad is above any individuals."