Luis Enrique believes Saturday's visit of Malaga will provide Barcelona with the perfect yardstick to determine whether they have improved from last season.
La Blaugrana failed to beat the Andalucians last season, most notably losing 1-0 at home in that time, and the Coach is keen for his team to bounce back from their failures against long-term adversary Javi Gracia, which he feels would also prove “we've improved and become more effective”.
“[On the Champions League draw], it's a very exciting competition with tough opponents. It couldn't be any other way,” he said at a Press conference.
“We've been dealt a tough group, like most [of our rivals], but we know some of our opponents well.
“There's no doubt that this is a very attractive and difficult group, containing teams who will bring fans to Camp Nou, but I'd like to know who said it was an easy group.
“It's not as difficult as Sevilla's, but it's difficult enough. We'll try to do something that no-one has done in the modern era, winning two Champions Leagues back-to-back.
“[On Sergio Busquets], he's been able to train since yesterday and I've seen him very well.
“We'll evaluate him [on Saturday morning]. I've also seen Neymar recover very well. He's not at 100 percent yet, but no player is at that level yet. In fact, it would even be dangerous.
“Either way, his numbers in GPS training are the best in the team.
“Sergi Roberto prefers to play in midfield but has adapted to the needs of the team [at right-back] and is now a wildcard. Nonetheless, he must continue improving aspects of the game.
“Malaga will be a very difficult game for us. It's an attractive challenge. We weren't able to beat them last season, so it's a test to see if we've improved and become more effective.
“I know Javi Gracia is a qualified Coach and I know him well. We were teammates once and I have faced him many times, even at 'B' level. I just hope that I'm more successful [on Saturday].
“We'll continue working in the market and seeing what we can do. We have no urgency in signing anyone, however, because those players wouldn't be bale to participate until January.
“Nonetheless, we're open to anything and attentive to what may arise.
[On the secrecy surrounding Dani Alves' injury], medical information belongs to the player. We consider [medical information belonging to the player] necessary and logical and feel it protects both the player and team.
“Returning to the Olimpico [Roma in the CL] will be be special. Although I only stayed for one season, I was given a very good deal there.
“[On former club Sporting Gijon drawing with Real Madrid], I'd have liked a Sporting victory even more. You can't draw conclusions on day one.”
