Luis Enrique insists Barcelona will have “no excuses” if they fail to beat Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.
Barca will be without injured quarter Jasper Cillessen, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Rafinha and Arda Turan for the trip to Valencia this weekend, which comes just three days after the Catalans’ involvement in the Champions League, as Sergi Roberto is considered a doubt.
Valencia also beat Barca 2-1 when the two sides last met back in April, but Enrique made it clear none of the aforementioned would be used in the event of a poor result at Mestalla.
“It’s true that we’re facing Valencia unknown for the short time that Prandelli’s been in charge,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“But it’s normal that when a new Coach comes in, they make many changes from the past, and at El Molinon, I saw a team with defensive order, good positioning and individual quality.
“Therefore, the objective is to play without giving chances to our opponents.
“When I was at Roma, [Prandelli] led the Italian national team and did very well. He’s a very meticulous Coach, also on a personal level, and I wish him well, but Valencia is a very intense place.
“It’s certain that this is the shortest period between games [so far this season], but the situations that can occur [on Saturday], we know only about them too well.
“In these situations, there’s more video work and talking before the game than work on the training pitch.
“It happens throughout the year, the most important thing is our recovery and there’s no excuse if things don’t go well.
“Fans’ reception for Alcacer? No comment. Everything happens according to what each person can express.
“Neymar’s renewal is great news. For his development at the club and his performances, he’s one of the best players in the world.
“It’s great news because it confirms that he trusts the club and his teammates and wants to keep winning trophies here. I think the feeling is mutual.”
