Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique has praised the work of Paco Jemez at Rayo Vallecano and advised a big club to give him a chance.
The sides meet at Vallecas tomorrow and at his pre-match Press conference, Enrique was fulsome in his praise for his Rayo counterpart and the style of play he has developed.
It will be Barca’s first game after their first defeat of the season, a 3-2 reverse against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, but Enrique said it won’t change how Rayo approach the match.
“We measure the team in every game. Rayo will press like always. They’re a team I like, especially under Paco,” he added, according to AS.
“They don’t leave gaps and they can play. They’re a clear example of what it takes to have a budget but play attractive football.
“I really like Rayo and their Coach. They’re one of the most attractive teams in the League.
“They have an identity beyond the players and they play a game I like. Pressure, possession, attack…it’s very good for their fans to watch. Paco is ready to take over a big team.”
When Barca travelled to Rayo last season they ended the match with a minority of possession, precipitating an identity crisis at Camp Nou under the charge of Tata Martino, despite a 4-0 Barca win.
Enrique though isn’t worried of a repeat of the fall-out and says scoring goals are what matter, not how much of the ball you have.
“It’s a football concept. We are two opponents who want the same thing. We will try to have the ball but it’s the score that interests me,” Enrique affirmed.
“It’s easier to win if you have the ball but most important is the score.”
