'Athletic denied us a six trophy year - that's motivation'

Luis Enrique Martinez explained in Saturday's press conference that there are plenty of incentives to motivate his players ahead of three games against Athletic, on Sunday in La Liga and two more in the Copa del Rey quarter-final.

"They're the team that prevented us from winning six trophies [last year], which is an added stimulus," the Barcelona boss said at the club's training ground. "Few teams have beaten so well, as occurred in the Super Cup [4-0 against Athletic] and against Celta [Vigo, 4-1]. Managers are specialists when it comes to finding stimulus."

On the first of the trilogy, Enrique said he expects a game "with no rest, no concessions and of high intensity. I am more than accustomed to playing against Athletic. With Celta, too, I played them in the Copa and I know them perfectly. It will be tough for both sides."

Lucho also spoke of a game which is "fundamental for out hopes of continuing to keep pace at the top of the league. The players know what to expect and the efford the game will demand. It's a game which motivates us and we wouldn't have it any other way." 

The Asturian also said playing against Athletic three times will not be boring "because they are a rival I admire. We are focused on the league game first, though, and the we will think about the Copa. I am a fan of Athletic's culture, the years they've stuck with it, it's almost a utopia... and also because I'm from the north."