Luis Enrique has claimed that Barcelona “are years ahead of other clubs” following Sunday’s Club World Cup triumph over River Plate.
La Blaugrana lifted their fifth trophy of 2015 and the Club World Cup for a record-breaking third time thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in a 3-0 victory, and the Coach felt his side’s insistence on winning in style separated them from the rest.
“In football, the future is always uncertain,” he said after the game.
“You tend to generalise, depending on what you’ve already seen, what the future will be like.
“Now we can say that we capped off last season with a fifth trophy. This was a clear goal for us.
“It’s our turn to enjoy a few days with our families and think about the challenges ahead.
“We have to keep winning, which always creates difficulty, but I’m optimistic, seeing how we face our challenges and how we have fun.
“If anything, [the Club World Club] has shown that these players and this club are never tired of winning and win in style.
“They are all very good players. We can change our players but the philosophy remains. Our concept can be seen from its base.
“Our desire to compete stems from everyone feeling proud [of their work].
“We have many fans and it’s no coincidence, that’s how we enjoy our fans.
“It’s not what you win but how you win and Barca are years ahead of other clubs in that sense. We’ll continue investing to be the best.
“[On Javier Mascherano appearing to complain about his substitution], you’d have liked that, if he criticised and insulted me?
“He had a muscular problem and we didn’t want to take risks. Gestures are misunderstood in Spain.
“River Plate are a great team, who worked very hard and have a great Coach.
“They were worthy opponents. They could’ve won, but the level we were at made it very difficult for them.
“[On Messi], the players who have more influence on the team are those who have more desire to compete.
“I’m very pleased, with great joy, but tired after many days away from home.
“Still, we have a League match on the 30th and must keep the party going.”
