Luis Enrique has little patience for discussion over the Barcelona’s players’ fancy dress escapades at Getafe. ‘I won’t play that game…’
Enrique was speaking the day before Barca play BATE Borisov in the Champions League but the Press conference was dominated by questions over the incident on Saturday, which was Halloween.
“We played a great game on Saturday and won 2-0. The rest is part of the circus. The players have issued a statement and made clear what they wanted to say,” the Coach pointed out, AS reports.
“We’re in the best place for a positive to become a negative. I won’t play that game and neither will the players.
“It’d do you good to dress up occasionally. In my day we had Carnival, we didn’t even know what Halloween was. Did I give permission? Next question.”
Enrique got his wish as discussion turned to the Champions League, starting with Real Madrid’s game against Paris Saint-Germain before the trainer was asked about the Estelada flags that are to be flown at Camp Nou, in defiance of UEFA.
“If my wife wants to go out to eat I’ll watch a recording [of Madrid-PSG],” he revealed.
“Beyond what might happen before the game, the fans will be with us in a sporting sense. We’re trying to beat a rival. That’s what concerns us at the club and the members.
“Rest Neymar and Luis Suarez? The goal is to beat BATE. Depending on the minutes one or the other players, some others will or won’t play.
“I’m not concerned about the rest the players get. There’s a lot of months left. Last year I could do what I wanted in terms of minutes but I was criticised.
“This year I’m obliged by the numbers we have to use the players more. We’ll get some players back soon and in January and let’s see if we can manage the minutes.
“I’m aware that will play for trophies in the last months and it will be key.
“In principle I won’t change to 4-4-2. But other systems and variants, yes, we evaluate them. We look at changing the system.”
The Press conference also saw Enrique offer some thoughts on injured Lionel Messi, away on loan Alen Halilovic, and Sergi Roberto, who has impressed lately.
“I’d be very happy if Sergi was called by Spain. I’ve had him for a few seasons. It’ll be great if he’s called, but it’s tough, and more difficult with the national team. He’s more than ready,” Enrique insisted.
“Halilovic is lucky, he’s in the best place. He’s well looked after and he’s performing at a high level. He was signed with the intention he could help the club and this season could be interesting, but to be in the Barca first team he has to keep improving.
“I’ve no news on Messi’s recovery. His recovery is within normal parameters for his injury. There’s no negative or adverse news.”