Luis Enrique believes Valencia are showing good signs under Gary Neville and will present a ‘difficult’ Copa del Rey opponent for Barcelona.
The sides meet in the semi-final first leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday and Enrique has spoken to the Press about the encounter, with Los Che winless in La Liga under their English Coach.
“Considering we’re talking about the Cup semi-final it’s a more than attractive fixture,” Enrique said, AS reports.
“Valencia will present difficulties as a team, with variations with regards to Nuno Santo’s time. They dare to press now and have a remarkable technical capacity.
“It’s going to be a complicated tie. We look forward to a good game and to put the tie on the right track but we’re aware of the difficulties we might have.
“We’re going for this game and to win this game. And then the goal will be to win the second leg. We want to avoid the complications that will surely appear.
“They had a defensive approach [in the League game in December], they played in their area and were clearly focused on counter-attacks. They played the game they could do.
“Now they have a Coach and we can appreciate the new ways of Neville’s Valencia. They defend in another area of the field. They’re showing signs of identity, and have people who give quality in the transitions.”
Enrique added that being considered favourites for the competition isn’t something that should trouble the Barca players.
“I’m not going to say I’m surprised [Barca are favourites], but it’s logical and normal,” Enrique agreed.
“We accept it but the players are aware they have to prove it on the field. That’s where it matters. The goal is to defend all our trophies.”
