Barcelona boss Luis Enrique claims Lionel Messi “is the best player of all time, regardless of an award, and to even doubt that is ridiculous”.
Speaking at a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Malaga, Barca’s first in La Liga since the international break, Enrique also confirmed the returns of Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Jeremy Mathieu and revealed Paco Alcacer would start in place of the suspended Luis Suarez.
“I expect a withdrawn Malaga and one that will pursue the counterattack,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“It’s the first game after the international break, that means we haven’t been able to train with all the players and that makes us more attentive.
“Pique, Alba and Mathieu returning? All recoveries are very positive and raise our performance levels. It’s true that they’re not 100 percent, but it’s very good news.
“Messi’s renewal? Perhaps it would be better if the person in question answered that, but I see Leo at Barca for many more years. I wish this beautiful story has a happy ending.
“Alcacer? He’ll start, and what I want from him is that he has a good game, whether or not he scores a goal.
“Iniesta’s recovery? It’s going better than expected, but if he returns for one game or another, it doesn’t concern me.
“I’ll never put pressure on our physios, doctors or players. The most important thing is that he recovers well.
“Atletico-Real Madrid? If we win, I’ll watch it. I’d like both teams to lose. I know I’m not being original, but that’s what I’d like.
“Messi and the Ballon d’Or? He’s the best player of all time, regardless of an award, and to doubt that is ridiculous.
“New sponsorship with Rakuten? I think it’s one on a par with our club, of what Barca mean. I think it’s great news for all Cules.
“All I hope is for us to pick up three points, have a complete performance and that they don’t attack our backline. If we get the three points and results go our way then it’d be hunky-dory.
“Busquets playing too much? It’s a question for the Coach. If you ask each Coach, they’d like their player to get as less minutes as possible. Here, everyone defends their own.”
