[[DES_1]]After being photographed with Sergio González, Luis Enrique appeared before the press to discuss tomorrow’s game with Espanyol (5.00 PM CET), saying that “derbies are always more intense games than usual … These games have special connotations, but there is no violence involved.”
Espanyol are 12th in the table at the moment, and Luis Enrique expects them to “sit back and wait and try to do things on the counter attack … The statistics may not be in favour of Espanyol, but if anything that makes things even more difficult.” He also refused to accept that his game plans would be conditioned by the midweek game with PSG, insisting that “the only game that we can influence right now is this one … Although in weeks when you have to play in different competitions you always need to have an open mind”.Playing against Espanyol always implies extra difficulties
With such a packed fixture list, the Barça boss needs to think carefully about which players he uses and which ones he rests, but all the same “it doesn’t matter what eleven I pick, it’ll always be a quality team.” And that is more true than ever considering that every member of his squad, bar Vermaelen, is available for selection.
After a comfortable win against Huesca, Barça could get their seventh win in a row on Sunday. Referring to the last second win at Mestalla, Luis Enrique commented that “late wins like that are always a boost for morale, even more so when they’re against such a strong team.”
He ended by mentioning the atmosphere he hopes will accompany the game, which kicks off at five o’clock in the afternoon. “I think it’s a great time for lots of young people to come” he said.
