Celta Vigo boss Luis Enrique says La Liga and top-flight safety will have to take priority over the Copa del Rey.
The Galicians take on Athletic Bilbao at Balaidos on Saturday in a Last 32 first-leg encounter, with Enrique hoping it does not prove a distraction to his team as they sit just three points above the relegation zone.
“Looking at the big picture I don’t think the Copa del Rey will be one of our priorities this season.
“Our main objective is to stay in La Primera and I know the difficulties this challenge will pose, but that doesn’t mean we will not be going all out to beat Athletic,” the former Barcelona B and Roma boss told a Press conference.
However, Enrique believes the game assumes greater importance for Bilbao because of their history in the tournament.
“We will be taking the game very seriously but the difference is that the Cup is one of their main objectives this season.
“Besides ensuring qualification for European competition it is a tournament that Athletic have always liked. That already gives us a clear indication of the kind of opponent we are going to face.
“The Copa del Rey is a fantastic competition but it would be much more spectacular if it was just one game because everyone would be fighting much harder to win.
“I think you lose a lot by playing it over two legs,” he added.
