Luis Enrique believes Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi ‘s growing understanding has been key to Barcelona ‘s climb to the top of La Liga.
Barca took advantage of Real Madrid’s defeat to Athletic Bilbao as they routed Rayo Vallecano 6-1 on Saturday, with Messi scoring another hat-trick while Suarez found the net twice.
Luis Enrique was left delighted by the combination play of the South American duo and feels his side have deservedly reached the top of the table.
“He has an understanding with Messi and Luis is giving us more every time,” he told reporters after the match. “They have chemistry, and that’s good for the team.
“We’ve earned our place in the table. We told the players there would be no easy ball, no peace. We knew it would be an awkward match.
“The goal is to be there [top] when the season ends. I always say that defeats will keep happening, which is why we must be very careful.
“I don’t talk about the others. Every game is difficult. Knowing how to manage it will be key.”
Luis Enrique, who confirmed the absent Neymar had permission to be in Brazil for the weekend, also underlined that Messi remains first-choice penalty taker despite missing from the spot again on Sunday only to fire home after the referee ordered a re-take.
“The penalty depends on the feelings of the player. Leo Messi is first on the list. I see the same attitude in him as I see in the rest of the team,” he added.