"We’re six points off the top of the table and we need to win"
Luis Enrique looked ahead to the game against Osasuna and warned that "necessity can be a motivating factor and they will have that."
Luis Enrique spoke to the press ahead of his side’s trip to Pamplona to play Osasuna on Saturday.
Changes to XI: “We prepare for these games with the same dedication as always. In view of the opposition’s needs and the fact that every away game presents problems we have to be clinical and get into the game from the first minute.”
Arda: “I won’t decide until Saturday [who starts]. I’ll tell the players first, as I always do. He’ll have to wait.”
Sergi Roberto in midfield? “He gives us different options. He’ll play on the flank, although that doesn’t mean he can’t play in the middle.”
Neymar: “He has a knock from the Clásico but it’s nothing out of the ordinary. He’s doing recovery work and we’ll see how he goes.”
Messi-Ronaldo tax issues: “I haven’t got any opinion and I haven't got any reason to get involved.”
André Gomes: “When we play him as a defensive midfielder it’s because we have faith in him, but his best position is in the centre of midfield. He has done well for us as a defensive midfielder and that’s a good development for us.”
Liga form
Results: “Necessity can be a motivating factor and Osasuna have that. But we do as well, we’re six points off the top of the table and we need to win. In that respect, our necessity is high as well. Whoever is leading has a greater margin for error than those behind, but there are a lot of games left to play.”
Scheduling: “It’s unusual to kick off at 1pm but we train every day at 11am. We’re more used to 8.45pm and sometimes we play at 10pm. It’s a matter of preferences but it doesn’t bother me.”
Iniesta-Denis Suárez: “I have a lot of top-class players and of different profiles. There’s nothing to say about Iniesta and Denis was very good in the last game. Having so much quality can only be a good thing.”
Messi contract
Messi renewal: “I’d like him to renew. When he does, it will be a cause for celebration. But I’m not going to try and predict what will happen.”