On Tuesday coach Luis Enrique Martínez has made his first appearance of the season before the press at the Ciutat Esportiva. The Asturian boss appeared ambitions and, as is usual in him, with clear ideas of what he wants. “We will put in a great as long as everyone in the squad is efficient. The objective is to repeat the success [of last season].” For that reason he added: “The treble is now in the past, now we are interested in six trophies.”
The treble is history, we are focused on six trophies
Luis Enrique could not hide his pleasure at the arrivals of Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan. On that subject he said: “I am very happy with the players brought in and I take this opportunity to congratulate the Managing Commission for signing of Arda Turna. The operation was key for us.” He added that the Turkish midfielder is going through “the normal process when a player arrives at a new club.” “He has to find his place with the support of this team mates,” explained the coach.
On other matters, Luis Enrique highlighted that he would maintain position on the margins of the electoral process at the Club. Nevertheless, he admitted that he will vote on Saturday and that he is clear about who he will vote for, although he did not want to reveal a name.
Below, we highlight more comments from the FC Barcelona coach on various subjects:
THE EXCITEMENT AT WINNING AGAIN
“Second seasons are usually better. There is the base work and I am convinced that the team can improve in several aspects. The motivation is there to be better than our opponents via continual development, if you stand still you get burned.”
HIS CONTRACT EXTENSION
“I won’t draw any conclusions until the end of the season. Last season the president offered me a new contract on several occasions and I said we should talk at the end of the season, when I decided to extend for another season.”
ELECTIONS FOR THE PRESIDENCY
“The four candidates are all capable of presiding over Barça. I am the first team coach and I will stay on the margins of the situation. As of Sunday we will be able to talk to the new President.”
PEDRO’S FUTURE
“Pedro’s situation is very clear: I don’t want anyone from the squad to leave. I have always highlighted his performances and I hope to maintain our relationship. It is the player who has to decide.”
CHANGES IN THE SQUAD
“We don’t know if anymore players can come in or if any will leave.”
“Sandro and Munir form part of the first team squad in every sense. Let’s see if in the end they stay.”
“I am not happy with the performance of the B squad last season. I hoped for more from all of them.”
ARDA TURAN
“He knows the league perfectly, he can beat players, it’s difficult to get the ball from him and also he offers us things defensively. He strengthens us and offers competition. The same for Aleix Vidal, he is great signing, and he will make us better.”