Barcelona boss Luis Enrique insists “I don’t think I did anything wrong” at Juventus as “I have no doubt that we can bounce back”.
Barca need another Champions League ‘remontada’ if they are to reach the semi-finals, having lost 3-0 to Juve on Tuesday, but Enrique still “sees a lot of chances” for the Catalans in the second leg, although his focus is on picking up three points against Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday.
“I take all responsibility for the defeat, but I don’t think I did anything wrong,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“I’ve given them wake-up calls in the dressing room and to their faces, and I hope it’s reciprocal, although this hasn’t happened in three years.
“We won’t give up. I have no doubt that we can bounce back against Juve, but we must beat La Real first.
“La Real? They’re one of the worst teams that we could face in this final stretch of season.
“Despite not yet being 100 percent mentally, I’m convinced that the team will come forward.
“Differences between PSG and Juve? The tie against Paris was much longer, this is going to be quicker [to turn around].
“It’s different to Paris. At this point, we’ve paid the price, but I see a lot of chances for us in the return leg.
“Reasons for the two defeats? They define what this sport is, that there are no points won in advance and there’s no team that win every trophy each year, although we’re still among the few who aspire to win all of them.
“Do I still think that Barca have the best squad? At the start of the season, you’re encouraged to give your little phrases so that on days like today, you can remember them. We’ll see at the end of the season.
“Response from the fans? As a fan, I’d support all the players, everyone. If there’s a section that decides to whistle after that, we’ll respect them, but our objective is to get the three points.
“My worst spell at Barca? No, I’ve been here before. It must be that everyone is used to all outcomes. The criticism inside is far superior to the one that comes from outside.”
Barcelona (probable): Ter Stegen; Sergi, Mathieu, Pique, Alba; Gomes, Busquets, Denis; Messi, Suarez, Arda
Injuries/suspensions: Vidal (I) Mascherano (I) Neymar (S) Rafinha (I)
Real Sociedad (probable): Rulli; Aritz, Raul Navas, Inigo, Yuri; Prieto, Illarramendi, Zurutuza; Vela, Willian Jose, Oyarzabal
Injuries/suspensions: Agirretxe (I) Carlos Martinez (I) Guridi (I) Juanmi (S) Odriozola (I)
Referee: Martinez Munuera
Form guide: Barca (L W W W L) Real (W L D L L)
Previous meeting: Barca 5-2 Real
Kick-off time: 19:45 BST/20:45 CET (LIVE on Football Espana!)
