Barcelona boss Luis Enrique says while Neymar “is a specialist” in managing derbies, “controlling his emotions will be vital and necessary”.
Neymar is set to mark his return from a three-match ban on Saturday, when Barca travel to Espanyol in the Catalan derby, and Enrique reminded the Brazilian of his responsibilites on the pitch.
“Espanyol? The fact that it’s a derby already makes it a special match,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“The table doesn’t matter, it’ll be a match of maximum difficulty and great intensity.
“Al Thani’s tweets? I have no interest or desire to comment on all these things that have nothing to do with the next game.
“Every game away from home creates certain constrains, but we try to give the same image both at home and away. We need the three points.
“I’ve seen the team to be in very good shape, they’re ready to play on Saturday.
“A photo with Quique Sanchez Flores? have no interest in commenting on this, it has nothing to do with football.
“Andre Gomes? I always want to strengthen and motivate players so they can overcome certain situations. Everyone lives in different situations, especially in their first year at a club.
“At this stage of the season, all our matches are key. Not picking up all three points against Madrid would’ve decided the League. We have to win all our remaining matches.
“Neymar’s a specialist in managing these situations, he takes a lot of fouls, he’s been sent off a few times and he controls his emotions very well.
“[Saturday’s] a tough match, so controlling his emotions will be vital and necessary.
“Shots from outside the box are a resource that we try to use. In the box, there are more possibilities to score a goal out of proximity.
“There are many resources to beat teams that sit back, and we’re combining them. It depends on the individual characteristics of each player.
“I think we’re going to come out as we have in all derbies, knowing our need for points and nothing more. We’ll focus only on the football.
“Vidal? Aleix is doing very well, better than expected, he’s making leaps and bounds in his recovery.
“The speed of his recovery will mark his availability, it was a complicated injury and he’s not giving us any cause for doubts right now.
“All matches away from home are difficult, we’ll try to overcome the match with our abilities, [Espanyol] are a team that know us and have a special motivation to play against us.”
Espanyol: Diego Lopez; Javi Lopez, Diego Reyes, David Lopez, Aaron; Jurado, Victor, Fuego, Piatti; Caicedo, Gerard
Injuries/suspensions: Vazquez (I) Oscar Duarte (I)
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Gomes; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Injuries/suspensions: Vidal, Iniesta, Rafinha (all injured) Mathieu (doubtful)
Referee: Undiano Mallenco
Form guide: Espanyol (D L W W L) Barcelona (W W W L W)
Previous meeting: Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol
Kick-off time: 19:45 BST/20:45 CET (LIVE on Football Espana!)
