Barcelona coach Luis Enrique insists he has the backing of his club and his squad – but refused to deny reports of a rift with Lionel Messi.

Cesc Fabregas has denied he was forced out of Barcelona, revealing he made the decision to leave the Catalan club himself.

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta concedes losing Lionel Messi for tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Celtic is a blow but has pointed out the Catalan giants are no one-man team.

Gerardo Martino last night emerged as the likely replacement for Tito Vilanova as Barcelona coach.

SWITZERLAND coach Kobi Kuhn has insisted that Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos will be fit for tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.