Luis Enrique says Rayo one of his favourites

[[DES_1]] Luis Enrique used his press conference before Saturday's visit to Vallecas to talk all about who they are up against. "Rayo is a team I especially like. They make things difficult and no how to move the ball. It's a nice example of a team without a lot of money and that's fun to watch," he said. "I really like the team and their coach."

"[Paco Jemez] has his own football identity and is able to transmit that to his players. We both like the same kind of football. He's doing a great job and I think he is more than prepared to take on the big clubs."

Luis Enrique said he expects a difficult match and that Rayo will be intense on the counter-attack and create pressure when Barcelona's defence tries to clear the zone. "Both teams want to control the ball and believe it is the key to victory," but added "without question the scoreboard will have the final say."

Paco Jemez is doing a great job and I think he is more than prepared to take on the big clubs.

Continuous evolution

The coach said he believes that this match will be different than Tuesday in Paris, Barça's first loss of the season. He reiterated that some mistakes turn out to be lethal against a club like PSG. "We didn't have our best day, but we looked pretty good," he said.

When asked about the criticism his side have taken in recent days, Luis Enrique explained that he knows what to expect. "Its not about understanding criticism, it's about accepting it," and added it won't make him change his approach.