Luis Enrique previews Villanovense, talks Ballon d'Or & opens door to signings again
Luis Enrique spoke to the press ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey game against Villanovense at Camp Nou on Wednesday.
The first leg ended goalless, but the Barça boss is expected to name a much-changed team for the game - he even said he wished the rules didn’t stop him playing even more of the club’s youngsters.
He also spoke about the LFP awards, the Ballon d’Or finalists and said Lionel Messi’s goal against Athletic in the Copa final deserves to be named as the best goal of the season.
Once again, he also admitted he’s open to new arrivals in January.
Here’s what he said:
Copa del Rey game: The 0-0 in the first leg means we have to be alert because it’s a dangerous situation. In the first leg we had problems with the state of the pitch, which this time we won’t have. But to play in the final of the cup you have to get through all the rounds, which isn’t easy.
Team against Villanovense: I will let my players know first, like always. I would like to use more players from the B team and the academy, but the rules mean there must be at least seven from the first team [on the pitch].
Have Barça hit their best form? I always say that you can always improve.
Sandro and Munir: They have always been motivated when they have had to play and [against Villanovense] they will be at 100 percent if they play.
Puskas prize: For me, Leo Messi’s goal is the best, it’s more difficult than Florenzi’s.
Action against Manolo and Rincon: It’s the club’s decision, I have nothing to do with that. But I don’t think any acts of gestures in football justify aggression.
Manager of the Year prize: I appreciate these type of awards, but it is the result of what the players and the team did last season. Winning titles has brought this.
Ballon d’Or finalists: I wish all my players were on the list, but you have to keep in mind that there are other players of the same level in other teams, too.
Sergio Ramos’s comments: It’s logical that he’d say that this good moment [of form for Barça] will end in the future because it’s always like that. Football goes in cycles, we have to take advantage of this moment.
New signings: Whenever the market is open, I am open to signings, but then come the nuances, such as the price, the conditions… but we will not make that public.
