Luis Enrique spoke to the press ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against FC BATE Borisov, saying that, “We are only one point ahead of BATE and Bayer Leverkusen, we are not expecting it to be easy. We are focused on improving our performance and overcoming the rival.” Lucho then added that he is not waiting for any player to lead the team in Leo Messi’s absence, stating, “We try to play as a block. We have our leader, Leo Messi, and we are not constantly looking for leaders.”
Lucho couldn’t miss the opportunity to hail Sergi Roberto’s fantastic form this season, saying that, “He is a player that I know perfectly. He’s a wonderful guarantee for any manager and I am really happy with him.” Finally, the boss confessed that the team is suffering defensively, but it is a matter for the entire team and not just the defenders. “When we have a defensive situation, where we are conceding too many goals, in no case is it a problem in defense; it is the whole team and the manager. We try to look for a solution collectively and we are working on that every week.”
Busi missing Messi
Sergio Busquets was also in front of the press ahead of yesterday’s game. He noted that the team misses Messi for what he contributes. “We’re missing Messi because he’s our most influential player and the best footballer in the world. We’ll all have to do a little bit more so that his absence is felt as little as possible, but missing him is inevitable”, he said.
Busquets also spoke about upcoming clash with BATE, saying,“We respect all of our opponents. They aren’t amongst the teams which are initially expected to qualify, but they can still complicate things for us. Any away game in the Champions League can be difficult. Getting all three points here would be an important step for us. Winning both games against BATE would all but guarantee our place in the last sixteen”.
Finally, Busi praised Neymar Jr. for his outstanding form, saying, “His attributes, the way he plays the game and what he brings to the team make him one of our leaders out on the pitch, even more so with Leo out injured. We hope his form continues.”
Xavi hints at role with Barça
Xavi Hernández recently spoke about his future during an interview with Sky Sports. He said that he hopes to return one day to the Catalan club. However, he also noted the difficulties included with the job.
“It’s difficult to be the Barcelona manager. I’ve seen Guardiola, Rijkaard, Van Gaal and now Luis Enrique and they all suffer. It’s not all fun, it’s agonizing and a job that puts you in line for a great deal of criticism. It’s not easy, but I want to do something in football. It’s my passion and it’s what I enjoy the most. My main objective is to try and work for Barcelona in the future, although I now have a magnificent project in Qatar until 2022 and I want to put my all into it.”
4 Comments
Nazrul Bng
Real leader
Ambrose Shiuli
messi superb.
Joseph Bandula
Yah ofcoz he is!!!
Fannuel Tshuma
Indeed