Enrique laughs off Neymar ban

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has laughed off reports that Santos are demanding Neymar be banned for six months by FIFA. “Why don’t they make it six years?”

The Asturian touched a number of bases during his pre-match Press conference for Saturday’s visit of Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, the forward aside, including one day managing Spain, fitness updates on Lionel Messi, Thomas Vermaelen and Andres Iniesta, his club’s plans for the January transfer window, Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez’s development and Raul Gonzalez’s retirement.

“[On Messi], there are rumours out there but I have no proof that they’re true,” he began.

“I’m sure the AFA and Barca want Messi to recover 100 percent, and I’m sure Tata Martino wants him to recover 100% like I do.

“[On becoming Spain Coach one day], yes I’d really like it.

“I don’t know [much about Copa del Rey opponents Villanovense] because we’ve only just heard the draw.

“We’ll gather information on them but only think about them game nearer to kick-off. For now, we’re focusing on Rayo.

“[Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta] both played against Rayo last season, so looking to them [for the win] is out of the question.

“They have the ability to keep the ball and, especially Andres, in one on ones.

“It’s clear that Rayo are going to present the same difficulties [as they did last season]. There won’t be a quiet phase of play.

“If we’re not good in possession, Rayo can take the ball. The key is giving the ball away as little as possible. It’ll be a difficult game regardless of the final result.

“There are several players in [Javier Mascherano’s] situation.

“He and [Sergio] Busquets are two of our most-used players. I’d rest them if I could, but I can’t. [Luis Suarez, however] is 100 percent fit.

“Thomas [Vermaelen] and Adriano have trained and are available, although Thomas lacks fitness.

“Andres is in the final phase [of his recovery], but Rafinha is still in the beginning of his.

“[On a lack of midfielders], I have two central midfielders and many other players who have the opportunity of getting more minutes. [Injures] are no excuse.

“I haven’t discussed anything about the economic situation of the club [ahead of the January transfer window], but we’ve been working towards every possible avenue since the summer.

“I see [Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez] in the same way I always have.

“They have quality and potential, but although they need to contribute their bit to the team, they’re not under any pressure to do so.

“They have more minutes than they could’ve expected and have participated in some of our goals. They still haven’t scored, but I have zero worries about that.

“[On Raul Gonzalez retiring], time passes for everyone and players like Raul, who marked an era, have to retire at some point.

“I’m sure he’ll one day be counted on him either in the dugout [as a Coach] or in another position in the world football.

“[On his relationship with the Press], I’m delighted with the Press here.

“[On reports Santos have demanded Neymar be banned for six months], six months? Why don’t they make it six years?”

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