Neymar should have won Uefa award over Ronaldo - Luis Enrique

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique believes that Neymar was more deserving of a place in the top three of the Uefa Best Player in Europe award than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The governing body announced on Wednesday that the Real Madrid star would be on the podium alongside Barca stars Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.

However, the former Celta Vigo boss believes the Brazilian forward would have been a better choice than the Portuguese attacker, following his exploits in Barca's treble-winning campaign.

"Who decided that Neymar isn't one of the candidates for the Uefa trophy?" Luis Enrique asked at a press conference.

"I think it should be Neymar, Messi and Suarez, without a doubt."

Luis Enrique went on to say that he feels his side are the team to beat in Spain and in Europe as he prepares for the first leg of their Supercopa tie against Athletic Bilbao on Friday.

"The pre-season schedule was set up so we can be the best we can be," he said. "We have to be competitive from the start of the season and still be the team to beat. I would also say the same in Europe.

"The sextuple is a goal we have in mind and one that motivates us but we are focused on is winning the fifth title first - the sixth is still far away."

Luis Enrique is expecting a tough game against Athletic and feels the Basques could try to man-mark star forward Messi.

"Both teams know each other well, it [man-marking Messi] may be an option, but there are others," said the former Camp Nou midfielder.

"They press very well and always make things difficult for their opponents. It will be an uncomfortable match and it will only be resolved over the two games."