The FC Barcelona manager knows it would very dangerous at this point to think that his team has already done enough to win the Liga trophy
Sevilla was the last team to beat Barça, and that’s precisely who they’ll be playing on Sunday at the Camp Nou (8.30pm CET). Since October 3, the Catalans have put together a string of 33 games without defeat, and in the league they have put considerable distance between themselves and immediate title rivals Atlético and Real Madrid.
The day before facing the Andalusians, manager Luis Enrique faced the press, and here’s our pick of the stand-out quotes from his press conference:
On Barça’s strong position in La Liga
“We’ll keep competing until there’s a champion. It would be a serious error to think that we’ve got it all done. Right now we need to focus on Sevilla, who are a difficult opponent”
“We have to remember that these are three vital points for winning the title. That’s the mentality we need in every game because I don’t think our lead is big enough to do the job quite yet. It’s that kind of thinking that has won us trophies.”
On Sevilla
“We are playing one of the leading clubs, who will make big demands of us and who have improved a lot since the first half of the season.”
“They are doing a great job in Europe. We know them well and know how much work has gone into building a strong team.”
“Unai Emery wins titles wherever he goes, so we know he’s a top class manager. You can see his ideas in the way the team defends and attacks. We’ll have to be careful.”
On the concern of over-relaxation
“As a football professional I know it’s very difficult to think of yourself as champions until it’s mathematically confirmed. Any distraction could be very dangerous, so our only plan is to win the game.”
On Rafinha
“He’s fine and meeting the deadlines that he was set. It would be great if he could help us at the end of the season, but it’s the doctors who’ll decide whether he’s fit to play or not.”
On the women’s team
“Athletic Bilbao are top of the league and have the best defensive record. Barça could win their fifth title in a row and this is a great game for fans to go along to and enjoy.”
*Barça v Athletic Bilbao kicks off on Sunday at 12.00pm in the Miniestadi.