Pique: Barcelona were in deep s*** when Luis Enrique arrived

Luis Enrique’s position at Camp Nou is under threat following Barcelona’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.

Messi gave Barca an early lead, before Unai Lopez fired in the equaliser.

“I didn’t understand the whistles for Andre Gomes”.

“I’m left with the response of the team and fans”.

“They’ve done it over the years, dominating football for 10 years, and they continue to be the best team in the world”. That’s why I’m the manager and after what happened in Paris I accept the criticism.

This is a stark indication of how, even in a home meeting with an opponent which sits back deep in defence, Barca’s midfield does not influence games in the manner they used to.

“We’ve been unrecognisable, unable to hold possession, but trust me we’re the ones hurting most”.

Sunday’s win over Leganes, secured with a 90th-minute Lionel Messi penalty, ensures they remain a point behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Barca face a much stiffer test next weekend when they travel to Atletico Madrid, but Enrique highlighted the psychological importance of getting the three points despite a poor display. “Another slip up would have been nearly definitive [in the title race], not in terms of points, but on an emotional level”.

As you would expect, the subject of Messi was raised in the 46-year-old coach’s latest press conference, and he was asked whether there was any chance of him replacing Enrique. However, some spirited defending from Jeremy Mathieu and a Man of the Match performance from Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is what saved Barcelona from an embarrassing loss. Three times the singing section behind the goal began their chant of “Luis Enrique” and three times the rest of the stadium said: ‘This show of support has got nothing to do with us’.