Luis Enrique on Suarez's form, Mascherano, Atletico, Elche
Luis Enrique spoke ahead of the game against Elche on Saturday, saying he had total confidence in Luis Suarez, despite the forward's poor goal rate. He also said that Ter Stegen may be used in the league sometimes, welcomed the improvement of Gerard Pique and hailed Javier Mascherano. Here are his key quotes.
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1. Elche. La Liga is full of surprises. There's something that is important in football, and that is intensity. It has to be there in every game because otherwise, any team can beat you. I am convinced that Elche will come out with that intensity and will try to hurt us on the counter-attack.
2. Rakitic missing out. Rakitic has no problem, he's very important to the team and we'll need him. From now on, when we get up early to travel, I will give the list the day before. Mathieu is fine, almost recovered. I believe on Monday he'll join the group.
3. Consequences of the Copa del Rey. The team are at a good physical and technical level, with a lot of physical resources ready for the game, despite the high demands of playing against Atletico. It's time to use all the squad. I have a balanced squad and they can all be used in any moment.
4. Repeating an XI. I will keep picking the XI that I see fit and will be better for the benefit of the team. I want 18, 19, 20 players I can call on at any time.
5. Stegen or Bravo. The situation can change at any time, there is no eternal situation. It is ephemeral. I have three great goalkeepers - the club made a big move after the departure of Valdes. Masip has played the least but I have great confidence in him. They all are good footballers, play with their feet, factors that are needed to be a Barca keeper.
6. Pique's improvement. When a coach arrives at a team his obligation is to get the best out of his players and that's what my players have been doing since the start of the season. They know that they have to give their best too.
7. Suarez's slump. There are moments like this for any striker. Although he's not scoring, each game has options to make a goal and he gives us a lot of things. This is what I ask of him. We are happy with his performances. It's normal when you change teams and countries to have a period of adaption. Some are later than others, because to adapt there is no magic formula - each player takes his own time. We are not worries with anything about Suarez's play. If we fail, we all fail, including the coaches. The goals will come. I have not seen anyone move in the box like Luis does, and I value that a lot.
8. Effects of Barca-Atletico. When you come from a tough game that has demanded a lot and face an opponent who you previously played at a weaker strength, you cannot trust (that the same result will come). We must be strong. We have an away match and if we are not strong we will not do well.
9. The legacy of Cruyff. I have not seen the report. But the importance of Cruyff in Barcelona's schools as a player and coach is beyond doubt. There are his accomplishments, including in the Dutch school. Barcelona has a different identity from other clubs, thanks to him.
10. The importance of Mascherano. I did not have to convince him to stay, it was his decision. There are players with a specific weight in the squad that don't wear the armband and that's Mascherano. He is a player under contract and the club renewed it. And I love him because he brings a lot both on and off the pitch.
