Enrique ‘values & admires Athletic’

Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique has spoken of his admiration for Athletic Bilbao ahead of their trip to Camp Nou.

The Basques travel to Catalonia on Saturday in a match that will see Barca wear the colours of the Catalan flag, the Senyera, and Athletic in a kit that pays tribute to their region.

Enrique said little about the change in outfit for the match, only that he hopes it helps get a result against a team for whom he has a lot of time.

“[Wearing the Senyera] seems an interesting idea. I hope it gives us strength and the supporters back us in difficult times,” he said, according to AS.

“For several reasons Athletic is a club that I value and admire. For their idea of football, their cantera…

“They go forward and press well, high up. We will have to put up a good fight.

“I’m concerned about their crosses and they have good strikers. We’ll try to do well, show our strengths and play more in their part of the field.

“I hope it’s not too hot [playing at 4pm local time] but it can’t be used as an excuse. We must accept the schedule and focus on being better at what makes us play.”

Barca play in the afternoon with the Madrid derby to come in the evening, Enrique saying when asked that, ideally, both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid would lose.

“We can control the game against Athletic. We know how hard Valverde’s team will be,” he added.

“In our game we can win three points. In the other, we can’t win any. We’ll see what happens.”

Tags Luis Enrique
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