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BARCELONA

Luis Enrique: "This Barcelona squad is the best I've had"

The Barça boss praised his new signings and did not rule out a final move in the transfer market "if the right player comes along."

Luis Enrique: "This Barcelona squad is the best I've had"
ANDREU DALMAUEFE

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique believes his current squad is the strongest he has ever had and he is very confident of retaining the La Liga and King's Cup titles.

The Spanish champions have recruited André Gomes, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne and Denis Suárez since the end of last season while Marc Bartra, Thomas Vermaelen, Adriano Correia and Sandro Ramírez have departed.

"On paper, this is the best squad that I have had in my three years at Barça," Luis Enrique told the club's website. "We have a squad that has been strengthened brilliantly. All the new players have settled in well. They have quality and will have to compete for a place."

Luis Enrique won the treble, including the Champions League, in his first season at Camp Nou and then successfully defended the La Liga title and retained the King's Cup.

Lucas Digne, Arda Turan, Samuel Umtiti and André Gomes.
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Lucas Digne, Arda Turan, Samuel Umtiti and André Gomes.Andreu DalmauEFE

"It's now up to us to see if we can retain the titles we won last season and also win more," he said. "I hope we can live up to expectations."

Barça are still looking to reinforce their formidable attacking line led by Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar.

"While the window remains open, we are ready to strengthen our squad," Luis Enrique said. "That is the intelligent way to look at things. If we find a player that will improve us, we will do it. If not, we continue with this squad, which is already great."

Barça take on Italian side Sampdoria on Wednesday before next week's Spanish Super Cup double-header against Sevilla.

Luis Enrique's men begin their La Liga title defence at home to Real Betis on August 20.