Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said on Wednesday (January 14) he was sure the team's talismanic striker Lionel Messi would stay at the Catalan club for many years as rumours of a possible move to a Premier League club increased last week.

"I am focused on having the team under control this season and see how far we can get. We all think - and he has expressed the same thing several times - that Leo is going to stay at Barca for many years. That is what all of us 'cules' (Barca fans) want. I don't see why - well, I do but - I don't understand why there is so much talk about about it when we are not even considering it," the 44 year old coach told reporters at a news conference.

Messi's apparent dissatisfaction with the coach's management style and tactics were said to have prompted talks with Chelsea and Manchester City, but Messi himself denied it, adding that he has also not asked for coach Luis Enrique to be replaced.

Barca face Elche in the King Cup's last 16 second leg on Thursday and will be without midfielde r Xavi and Neymar, who was felled by defender Enzo Roco in the first leg.

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