Luis Enrique felt Barcelona laid down the gauntlet in Saturday’s 8-0 victory over Cordoba ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich.
The Catalans ran riot at Nuevo Arcangel to relegate the basement boys from La Liga, and the Coach is hoping that his side can use the result to their advantage when they host the Bundesliga giants.
“Football is a very complex sport. We’re in good form but before each game you have to rebuild,” he said after the game.
“For 39 minutes, we created chances but weren’t inspired [in our finishing].
“Ivan [Rakitic] and Luis [Suarez]’s goals were important, and we were extremely clinical in the second half.
“They were three vital points and I’m happy [we got them].
“[On Barca’s penalty-taking duties], the players decide, depending on who they deem the most appropriate.
“There’s no other way to deal with these matches if we want to win the League.
“We must always do our homework, regardless of the location and our opponents’ form.
“[Relegation] is a difficult feeling for a team to take. Going down 0-2 hurt them and they suffered the maximum penalty, but we respect their philosophy.
“We must now use this result in a difficult tie [against Bayern]. [Jordi Alba] suffered nothing more than discomfort.
“It’s understandable that the [hot] temperature affects you, but we unlocked the match in a spectacular way.
“We were more hydrated than normal and now have a few days to prepare [for Bayern].”
