Internal rift puts pressure on Barca
IN-FORM Atletico Madrid will aim to pile pressure on a Barcelona side reeling from a rift between coach Luis Enrique and star player Lionel Messi in a crunch La Liga clash today.
It was an all-or-nothing match last time the sides met at the Camp Nou in the final game last season, with a draw giving the visitors the title.
While the stakes are not as high now, a negative result could have a major impact on the future of Luis Enrique.
It is a perfect time for Diego Simeone’s Atletico side to face Barca, who have failed to convince this season.
Enrique and Messi are believed to have almost come to blows during a training session last Friday and then had a heated argument after last Sunday’s La Liga defeat by Real Sociedad.
That result left champions Atletico level with Barcelona on 38 points, one less than leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
However, Enrique described reports of a bust-up with Messi as “inaccurate and ill-intentioned” and said he has the backing of all the players in his squad.
RAC1 radio claimed Premier League leaders Chelsea would be prepared to pay Messi’s $295.8- million buy-out clause.
Meanwhile, Simeone has gone about the business of adapting new players to his system with quiet efficiency.
In the wake of the depar- ture of key players such as striker Diego Costa, they started the season slowly but have picked up the pace and began the New Year with a victory over Levante in La Liga, followed by a win against Real Madrid in the first leg of their King’s Cup last-16 tie.
“In order to compete against opposition you need to compete together. The team is working very hard,” Simeone said.
Returning hero Fernando Torres has been the centre of attention since arriving back at the Calderon in the January transfer window but had a quiet game against Real.
“He offers drive and energy,” said Simeone.
“He is strong and fast but needs more time to create an understanding with his teammates.”