Luis Enrique: 'We hope to keep this run going'

The FC Barcelona head coach gave a clear warning to his players after a week in which they stormed to a pair of routs

FC Barcelona may have knocked off two of their biggest rivals this fall in astounding fashion — routing Real Madrid 4–0 and AS Roma 6–1 — but don’t tell Luis Enrique that. The second year head coach knows all too well that let downs do happen.

And with a visit to Camp Nou from one-win side Real Sociedad looming this Saturday, Luis Enrique took advantage of Friday’s press conference to issue a stern warning: "Real Sociedad have quality players and if you’re not in good form they can give you problems with the ball," he said.

The Barça manager also answered a slew of other questions from the media corps on hand at the Ciutat Esportiva. Here are the highlights of what he had to say:

On being leaders in La Liga:

“We hope to keep this run going as long as possible. We have the chance to add three key points to stay leaders and stay strong at home.”

On Real Sociedad:

“With Eusebio [as their coach] you can see they have a plan to carry out, and they are clear about creating pressure and about which players have to do it and how.”

On ex-Barça player and coach Eusebio:

“He may know our style to perfection, but another thing is to put it together on the field with the players and to do it effectively.”

“I also came to Camp Nou when I trained Celta; I knew the style perfectly and I lost.”

On Messi:

“He still isn’t 100% and he needs minutes to get in the best shape possible.”

“But we know Messi doesn’t have to be in maximum form to make a difference. We saw that the other day.”

On the Trident’s eye-popping numbers:

“They are very good and they make spectacular plays, but the secret is to play as a bloc. They need the whole team to score.”

On Sergio Busquets not being a candidate for the UEFA best XI:

“It’s surprising, When you have the privilege to train him, you fully realise everything he brings to the field and to football.”

“It’s a huge injustice, but it’s also happened before with other players.”

from News at FCB http://ift.tt/1ImCDoq