Luis Enrique speaks ahead of Barcelona-Sporting Gijon
The Barça boss is confident his players can get the job done and win their remaining four games to clinch the LaLiga title. First up are Sporting on Saturday (2030 CET).
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique held a press conference earlier today in which he discussed various subjects on the eve of los azulgranas home game against Sporting Gijon. Following his team’s resounding 8-0 win over Deportivo midweek, the Asturian manager was noticeably more at ease today than he had been in his dealings with the media before the trip to Riazor.
Dangerously poised: “There’s nothing between the teams at the top of the league. I’ve been following Sporting’s season closely and I’m amazed they still haven’t shored up safety in the division. They’re playing extremely well in every sense of the word. I hold Sporting dear in my heart and the club reflects what the city means.”
Neymar: “I can’t say if he’s been treated unfairly or not. I don’t read the papers. The decision for him to miss the Copa America and play at the Olympics was one agreed by the different parties. We sought the best for the player, who is desperate to play for his country. The agreement seems right to me. It’s best for the player, for the club, and for Brazil”.
The 8-0 win: “The win over Depor was perfect for us. It has boosted us but we now have to confirm that in the games we have left. They’ll be interesting matches, both for the top and the bottom of the table. But we are on great track.”
A while back Piqué said LaLiga was Barça’s to lose: “My mind is solely focused on the Sporting game, I’m afraid. I’m not going to get into any of that”.
Messi: “He was unfortunate with the knocks he took at Riazor but he has trained fine this Friday and is perfectly fit”.
Marc Bartra: “He proved on Wednesday that he’s ready and he’s been working his socks off over the past few months. He played particularly well, got a goal and was rock solid in defence”.
Alves: “I don’t need to protect Dani. Our fans are wonderful and always get behind us. My decisions aren’t influenced by outside forces”.
Rotations: “I make changes when I see that they can help the team to improve. When I don’t, the players on the pitch, stay on the pitch”.
New Camp Nou: “It’s the right idea, I loved it. It’s a shame we have to wait so long until it’s ready but I’m sure that the end result will be spectacular”.