Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu has spoken of the importance of appointing Luis Enrique as the club’s Coach.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo Bartomeu has reflected on a busy summer at Camp Nou and explained why additions didn’t arrive 12 months ago.
Asked why the Barca squad wasn’t renovated last season, Bartomeu pointed to the situation with the Coach, after the late Tito Vilanova stepped down due to illness at short notice.
“We signed Neymar, or rather moved it because he was coming this year,” Bartomeu argued.
“There were indeed other objectives but Tito’s illness and the unexpected situation crippled operations.
“The Coach wanted to see the team in action before making decisions. I admit it was an unusual situation and an atypical summer.
“I was responsible. The decision not to sign was collectively although Tata Martino made his opinion pretty clear. And it was well argued. Those were the decisions made.
“Each year the staff is reviewed in March or April and we see what we’re missing and how many players we need to sign.
“This summer, it’s true, we have done the most renovation in many years.”
MD’s interviewer added that not since 1989 have Barca signed so many players in a single summer and Bartomeu added that the revolution started with the Coach.
“Enrique brings new values, fight, work, effort, he has all of that and it permeates everything,” he continued.
“The arrival of new players in the squad is valuable but we greatly appreciate those who were already here.
“I have been with the players in the last few days and the truth is they are happy and hopeful and the group has been formed. I see motivation.
“I repeat: The great signing for this year is Luis Enrique. The members, the fans, the board and the media all like him. Why? Probably because we already know him.
“We had to discover Tata and discovered a great guy who knew Barca’s style very well. He didn’t know the club.
“But he must be doing something well to be with the Argentina team, led by Messi.”
