Luis Enrique says “only a win will do” in the Champions League final following Barcelona’s last-four triumph over Bayern Munich.
The Catalans are now just a game away from winning each of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and now Europe’s elite club competition after they defeated the Bundesliga champions’ 5-3 on aggregate on Wednesday, and the Coach was quick to highlight his side’s favourable position.
“In principle, we’ve fulfilled our objectives [of reaching the final] and being among the best teams in Europe. Now, only a win will do,” he said after the second leg at Allianz Arena.
“It’ll be different [being a finalist as a Coach] because every game is different when you’re a Coach to when you’re a player, and the final will be no different. I have no basis for comparison [in finals] as a Coach.
“The fact that we scored quickly and created scoring chances allowed us to gain confidence.
“We controlled the first half, but we committed several errors in the second, although they were the result of fatigue. Still, it’s a very happy night for us.
“[On whether he preferred to face Real Madrid or Juventus in the final], whoever deserves it.
“It’s true that I suffered [in the game]. Each round posed its own difficulties, but our first-leg result forced our opponents [to come out of their shell].
“We quickly cancelled out the goal they scored from a corner by creating chances to score, and we went into half-time with a favourable outcome.
“The second half was different, we struggled a lot but meeting our objective is wonderful and we’re very happy.
“We were focused because we forced our opponents to attack and take risks. We switched to a 4-1-4-1 because we wanted to see the game out.
“We struggled because they have quality and are a hard-working team, but I’m happy with the performance of my players.
“[On his thanks to former sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta], I’ll speak about certain issues at the end of the season. Clearly [our progression] is thanks to everyone who’s part of the club. It’s a moment to savour.
“[The ‘MSN’] have many qualities, but I don’t want to talk about their individual quality.
“They’re not selfish, important to us and continually seek to score. It’s difficult for our opponents to stop them.
“[Pep Guardiola and I] are friends who wish each other the best of luck [in their respective careers].
“To be 90 minutes away from being crowned champions in all three competitions is a beautiful feeling, but we’ve yet to realise it.”
