10 key quotes from Luis Enrique ahead of Barcelona v Eibar clash on Saturday
Luis Enrique made an exception to his usual press conference behaviour and named Pedro as a starter for the game against Eibar on Saturday. After the morning training session Enrique spoke to the media and these are his key quotes:
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Eibar: I am worried about the next game against Eibar. They have started well in the league. They're not just a team that's closed down. They won at Elche's stadium, they press high, counterattack well and have players who know how to work. The Camp Nou is different but we will surely see interesting things from Eibar.
Possible rotations: I take everything into account when I pick my teams. A few games are coming in a short space of time (Eibar, Ajax, Real Madrid) and I see some players have made big trips, I look at their physical state, if they have played more or less minutes.
On Messi's record: I won't let records be a distraction. The players are used to it and I see them train.
Pedro will start: Pedro has trained all the days that he had to and his level is 100 percent. Tomorrow he will start. I've said this because I'm the coach and I don't know where other news comes from. If you want I'll tell you the team. Ah! I can't because I haven't told them. Just Pedro...
Munir remains with Barca B: No changes in Munir's case, he's still registered with the youth team but has not played a single minute with them.
Rafinha's recovery: A blessed problem to have many players of this profile. There is good competition betwween them. I'm always worried (that you might prolong an injury), but I have confidence in the medics and the player is now good. Now he has to recover his fitness and get back in the squads and team.
The fitness of Suarez: I don't know if he's at 80, 90 or 100 percent but what is clear that he is not fat, as I said at the time and has been proven. We have not decided what will happen to Munir or Sandro when Suarez finally joins. It's true this year is difficult for them because they are up and down, but it is good for them to get experience.
Vermaelen fitness: Vermaelen is better but he nees to improve his physical condition. It's taken a long time but I'm sure that he will be able to help.
Pique's police issue: The incident with Guardia Urbana is up to him. I won't comment on it, it's a personal issue. He made a mistake, admitted it and apologised.
The Copa del Rey: It's interesting and an attractive spectacle. Maybe to be more spectacular you could be eliminated after one game (rather than the current two-legged system).
