Luis Enrique believes he has the best squad of his Barcelona reign since being appointed Coach two years ago.
Lucas Digne, Denis Suarez, Samuel Umtiti and Andre Gomes have all come in to bolster a Barca squad that had been accused of lacking in depth last season, and Enrique is delighted with how quickly the new faces have adapted to life at Camp Nou.
“The first game of the season is always special, and not just for the new players who will get minutes to begin to familiarise themselves with what it’s like to play at Camp Nou,” he said at a Press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Gamper Trophy friendly against Sampdoria.
“We’ll try to have a good game against a team that bring back good memories for us.
“The new additions have arrived at a very high physical level, are almost in shape and have done their homework.
“They’ve all been better been expected and come to fight for a place. They’re young but with more than enough quality, and they know that they can only join this team to compete.
“[On signings] it’s a matter of the market, we must seize the opportunity when we can to reinforce our squad with young players at an affordable price and of good quality.
“It would be foolish not to. I believe I have the best squad on paper of the last three years.
“It seems like the team that haven’t won anything and that's the best situation for a Coach.
“I have a unique team of players who has been reinforced in a brilliant way this summer, and it’s up to us to secure more triumphs for the club.
“[On Neymar], it’s a serious mistake, despite football being a team sport where everyone should take criticism or praise, to single a player out.
“[On Luis Suarez’s omission from UEFA Best Player], a few things surprise me in football. I don’t even know who nominates [the players].”
