Josep Maria Bartomeu buzzing with confidence

“We are in an unenviable situation” said Josep Maria Bartomeu in an interview on Hat-trick Barça on the Esport3 TV channel. “We are three games away from winning the league and in the semi-finals of the Champions League – it’s a gift for football … We don’t have to worry about this team. They play well, they’re convincing, they work hard and the goals are coming. We are very happy with what they are doing.”

On Luis Enrique’s future

“He has a contract and we can’t foresee next season without him. We are very happy with his work and what he is achieving.”

On the Champions League semi-final

“Bayern have a great team, full of stars, and a manager, Pep Guardiola, who knows us very well. It’s an open game, without favourites”.

“Our doors are always open to Pep – like everyone else who did so much for the club”.

On Luis Suárez

“The club and team need him. I’m delighted that he got a hat-trick. He does a lot for the team and boosts their confidence”.

On Dani Alves

“I hope he renews. We have asked him to and we’re discussing it. I know he’d like to stay and Barça want him to stay. He is an important player who contributes a lot, and he’s in spectacular form”.

On Xavi Hernández

“He’s a legend. He’s won everything and the way things are going, he can still win more. He’s won the right to decide, but it’s his decision and we’ll respect it”.

On Nike

“I am very satisfied with Nike and I hope to work with them for many more years, but the current contract is a little outdated. Football grows and Nike has to keep supporting Barça. The deal needs to be brought in line with the club’s position, although there are three years left until it expires”.

On the elections

“I don’t regret calling elections. We make decisions and have to accept the consequences … The date depends on when the team plays their last game. I won’t be announcing dates while they are still playing”.

On the reserves

“Barça B has spectacularly talented players and the important thing is that they are learning. They are very young, their average age is 19. Academy teams need to learn to lose as well, that’s one of the aims at Barça”.