Barcelona: Why Suarez and Enrique's spat is a blessing

Tension between Luis Suarez and his coach won't hurt Barcelona

There are more arguments at Barcelona now than in Pep Guardiola's pomp, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unimpressed by the dressing-room atmosphere that he discovered upon joining Barcelona in 2009:

"It was like being back at school. None of the lads acted like superstars, which was strange. Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, the whole gang - they were like schoolboys. The best footballers in the world stood there with their heads bowed, and I didn't understand any of it. It was ridiculous."

While a squad of obedient students might sound like a more desirable working environment than managing 23 Ibrahimovics, the Swede probably had a point. Pep Guardiola was smart enough to frequently make the right decision without being challenged, but perhaps the less-revered coaches that they have hired since like Tata Martino needed to be questioned more from within.

Thankfully, that isn't a problem anymore, with current boss Luis Enrique dealing with what has at times veered close to open revolt.

Lionel Messi, the multi-time Ballon d'Or winner name-checked by Ibrahimovic as one of Guardiola's most compliant pupils, has been the main culprit, publicly expressing dismay at the 44-year-old's tactical tweaks on several occasions.

The flashpoint was the 1-0 La Liga defeat away to Real Sociedad on January 4, for which the Argentine was furious to spend the first half of the bench.

His irritation carried over to skipping an open training session the next day, prompting speculation of him-or-me ultimatums and transfers to Chelsea or Man City. However, he was selected to start the next game, scored in it and Barcelona went on an 11-match winning streak, their longest since 2008.

The logical conclusion to draw is that it actually worked to the benefit of player, coach and club to have that explosion, get everything out in the open and start over.

Subsequently, there is no reason to fret the latest act of dissent towards Enrique - Luis Suarez's miffed reaction to being substituted after a fine performance away to Granada - particularly as the man in the dugout has already insisted that it isn't an issue.

This new Barcelona-with-attitude are still in contention for three trophies despite the suspicion that they are past their peak and the doubts over just how accomplished Enrique is.

They are two points off the top of La Liga and 2.226/5 to overhaul Real Madrid. They won 2-1 at Man City in the Champions League round-of-16 and are 4.57/2 to triumph in Berlin in June, and they lead Villarreal 3-1 in their Copa del Rey semi-final. It is 1.664/6 that they win tonight's away leg.