Luis Enrique: "I've never had the feeling that my future at Barça is in doubt"

Luis Enrique had a press conference to preview Wednesday's match with Atletico Madrid, focusing on the sporting aspects of the duel. He also said that he doesn't feel like he is treading a thin line at the club, despite the tension of recent weeks. 

The Asturian coach was full of praise for Barça's Copa del Rey opponents, although he seemed confident his side will make the semi-final. 

PRAISING ATLETICO

What he expects from Atletico: "I think they will be true to their style, but we don't know how high they will press... They are potent in defence, but also in attack."

Influence of league win last week: "To have won that game does not influence the next meeting, but it does mean we go into the game well after failing to win in the six games last season."

How will Barça play? "We must be intense, aggressive, match or better their attitude and be good technically."

What do you like about Atletico? "Their intensity in all aspectes of their play: in defence, the defence as a block, but it also translates into attack."

Is Messi the leader of the team? "I'm not here to feed controversy. That's not in my interest. Everyone says what they like."

Xavi, Mathieu and Munir: "Xavi is available, he trained this morning and we expect him to get the all clear. Jeremy hasn't trained and won't play and Munir, even though he's with Barça B, is training with us. He'll help Barça B when necessary and to maintain his ryhthm to keep him in good shape, but he will work with us (first team)."

PERSONAL SITUATION

Does your future depend on this Copa tie? "I've not had that feeling, I've never worried about my future. We are only playing to get through against rival that demands we be at our best. The sensations are positive."

Do you see yourself at Barça for many years? "In football you live for the present."

His personal state: "I'm good, optimistic for how I see my players, the team, the fans... it's a special season, with a series of nuances. Now things are different because the president has called elections and we are all excited about achieving results and hitting targets."

On Luis Suarez: "He's good, working hard on attack and defence. The first year is always difficult, but goals will arrive for sure, because he is a goal scorer and he's always scored goals throughout his career."

On Rotations: "I'll continue doing what I have always done as manager."

More important to score, or that Atletico don't score? "Our objective is clear: To win the game independent of the result, but it's better to keep a clean sheet."

Better to have the second leg at home? "In the Copa del Rey I prefer to be away [in the second game], but in the Champions League [against Manchester City, at home] I prefer the reverse... because I can't change it, so I adapt and look for the best for my team. I don't think either would mean a great advantage."

Figo's comments that Messi and Ronaldo wouldn't have been the best in his era: "In my time as a player or before that [were there players as good as Messi]. I've always said that the best player in history, without doubt, is Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo is a top player, but I think that he's behind Messi."

Value of the Copa del Rey: "It's a really good competition, especially the final. You get the support of your fans, people are excited... it's important, more still considering where we are, but it is attractive."