Contrary to reports earlier this season that Barcelona players - and particularly Lionel Messi - were unhappy with head coach Luis Enrique , midfielder Ivan Rakitic has thrown his backing behind his boss , and says the rest of the Barca squad rate him , too . A tough start to the season in La Liga that saw Barca fall away from league leaders Real Madrid had Enrique under pressure within weeks of taking the job , but a brilliant turnaround in form seems to have swung things in his favour . Enrique 's charges are now just two points behind Real after clawing back the lead with a run that has seen them drop just eight points from their last 15 league games , and look well set for the Champions League quarter-finals after their 2-1 first leg win away at Manchester City . Ivan Rakitic says Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has the backing of his players , who see him as the boss . Enrique was under pressure earlier this season and was said to have a difficult relationship with some players . And that transformation looks to have been helped by the attitude of his players who , according to summer signing Rakitic , are all behind their boss . ' ( Luis Enrique ) is the boss and he knows what is best , ' the Croatian told Sportske Novosti . 'We all believe in him . 'Our success is in the collective act of all for one and one for all . ' Luis Suarez congratulates Rakitic after he scored the opening goal against Granada in a 3-1 win on Saturday . The victory helped to close the gap on Real Madrid and Barca are now in with a shout of silverware . Enrique knows what 's best , according to Rakitic , who spoke of the collective Barca group in an interview . Rakitic scored Barca 's opener in their 3-1 win over Granada on Saturday to close the gap on Real , who could only draw with Villarreal , but the midfielder says he is making no time to think about the fortunes of the current leaders . 'Today , Real are ahead but the road is a long one , ' Rakitic said . 'We just think about ourselves , as there is no need to think about Real . 'We believe that everything is possible . ' Lionel Messi later scored in the 3-1 win over Granada to bring Barcelona to 59 points , just two behind Real . A disappointing draw against Villarreal had Real Madrid defender Marcelona looking dejected on Sunday .
Ivan Rakitic has said Barcelona 's players 'believe in ' Luis Enrique . Lionel Messi was reportedly unhappy with Enrique 's management . Barca closed the gap on Real Madrid in La Liga to 59 points on Saturday .