Luis Enrique: "I haven’t seen any Barça fans in low spirits"
Luis Enrique spoke to the press ahead of his side's Champions League match against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Barcelona vs Borussia Monchengladbach
Luis Enrique spoke to the press ahead of Barcelona’s final group game in the Champions League at home against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Champions League
Home record in the Champions League: “Winning is the cure for all ills. We’ve played an almost perfect group stage. It’s an inconsequential game but it’s a home game, at Camp Nou, in the Champions League and we’ll try to be deserving of a win.”
Will you try something new as you’ve already qualified? Yes. We’ll try things out, look at the system, give some players a rest, use others… there’s a general plan that is above that of particular games.”
Piqué said that the fans should lift their spirits. What’s your take? “I haven’t seen any fans in low spirits. Those that I have spoken to are super-optimistic. My message is the same as always. We’ll carry on competing and later the table will tell us how we did.”
Iniesta return
How do you rate Iniesta’s minutes during the Clásico? “As I’ve said before, it’s always good news to get players back but if it’s out captain, then so much the better. He played very well.”
To what point are you worried about results this season? “It’s the logical and normal process of a season. It isn’t helpful to exaggerate things when you are brilliant for four games or when you’re not winning. But that’s from a coach’s point of view.”
Playing style
Is playing more direct football a temporary solution or a trend? “Our objective is to be superior to the opposition with our play and taking advantage of the spaces they leave. Depending on where the opposition puts their defensive line we try to find ways through. We want to attack with the ball and press when we haven’t got it. That’s the essence of our style.”
Are your analyses results-orientated? “Of course. Coaches are judged on results. I couldn’t care less about winning tomorrow for my morale. To dispel the cloud over the team winning tomorrow will be important but my general plan won’t change. There are other objectives tomorrow.”
Do you think people talking about Barça losing their DNA are opportunistic? “It’s normal. To be in a job like this always generates debate. As a professional I have to accept it and remain faithful to the things that got me here in the first place.”
At what stage of the general plan are the team at the moment? “The plan is to be in contention for every competition to try and win every title. We’re a third of the way through the league, I don’t know at what percentage of the Champions League and just starting the Copa. We want to progress so that in March, April and May we are in a position to win them all.”
Messi start
Will Messi play tomorrow? “Yes, he’ll start.”
Has the team got a better attitude in the Champions League? “No. And to talk about attitude is a mistake. I’ve never seen a lack of attitude in my players.”
What problems do you see in the side? “Even when you’re winning you can play with fire. I don’t see any problems, just things that can be improved.”