Barcelona boss Luis Enrique began his preview of Sunday’s La Liga match against Eibar by demanding a “full investigation” into claims of Clasico corruption.
The Spanish Press reported earlier in the week that an unnamed linesman reportedly informed the country’s anti-corruption police of being pressured into favouring Real Madrid over Barca when the two rivals were due to face off next month, and the Coach has urged authorities to take the matter seriously.
“It’s news which hasn’t ceased to amaze us. It’s very unpleasant and we want there to be a full investigation,” he said at a Press conference.
“It’s all based on assumptions at the moment, and I won’t speculate on the referees issue.
“It’s very serious and they have enough trouble as it is, but I think it’s only logical and right to launch a full investigation. I believe anything in this country.
“Eibar have only lost one game at home and none away. They’re in a positive dynamic, they have a clear philosophy and know their roles.
“It’ll be an interesting challenge and we’re facing it with the utmost sincerity.
“We always need [Andres Iniesta], regardless of the team’s situation. We’ll see if he can play [on Sunday].
“He has trained well and feels good, but we’ll see [on Sunday].
“I’ve been informed that there’s the possibility of making signings [in January] and I think it’s great, but I’ll keep what we’ve discussed private.
“I’ve always loved Neymar. He’s a very different type of player [compared to others of his ilk].
“He is very dominant, scores lots of goals and is able to make great contributions. He’s only going to evolve and improve.
“I see [Luis] Suarez playing at the same level as he did last season. He is a player with great character and doesn’t need motivation.
“We try to have the ball and take advantage of the spaces which open up, and Luis is doing a great job both with and without the ball.
“He motivates himself and at the level of the best strikers in world football.
“He came here with a ban and adapted with remarkable speed.
“I think he’s a leader by the way he competes. Maybe he’s a little different to what the club are accustomed to, but he’s been very useful.
“[On the Clasico next month], I don’t think about games which are played a month from now.
“God knows what will happen between now and next month. Our objective for now is to lead the table.
“[On Johan Cruyff’s lung cancer], it’s very sad and unpleasant news and one which seems to become more and more common. I hope he overcomes it like he has other things in the past.
“[On Barca being burdened by 14 muscular injuries], we always assess the effects of fatigue on each player.
“If I can, I take off [Sergio] Busquets for the last 15 minutes of every game. There’s no need to dramatise things.
“[On whether a lack of signings have affected Barca so far this season], the only thing which concerns me is winning trophies, and our objective is to win the League.”
