Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has insisted that Lionel Messi has never allowed his standards to drop this season.

Speculation has been growing regarding an apparently strained relationship between the pair, but Enrique has moved to talk up the efforts of the Argentine playmaker following his recent hat-trick against Deportivo La Coruna.

"He has been at a very high level throughout the season. At no time has it lowered," Enrique told reporters after the game.

"We have always had defensive intensity away from home.

"We must be efficient in attack and in defence. But there are things to improve in both phases. Victories help."

Barcelona currently occupy second spot in the La Liga table, one point behind leaders Real Madrid.

Written by
Christopher Dodd