Luis Enrique knows it's harder to win on the road

Barça are at La Coruña on Sunday at 7.00pm (CET), and after a draw at Getafe and defeat to Real Sociedad, it’s time to get the team’s away form back on track. The wet weather in Galicia means the Riazor pitch is unlikely to offer the kind of surface that the Catalans thrive upon, and Deportivo are in desperate need of points to move away from the relegation zone. Luis Enrique admitted in Saturday’s press conference that these and other factors do not work in FC Barcelona’s favour. “It’s only logical for us to face greater difficulties when we play away” said the first team manager. “There are a lot of reasons why it’s easier to play at home, and we expect a tough match against a Depor side that will be a threat in certain phases of the game.”

Víctor Fernández’s side are just one point above the drop-zone and have had more time to prepare for the game, with Barça having the distraction of a midweek cup game. “I would much rather have a full week to get ready for games” said Luis Enrique. “But at big clubs like this, we are used to playing every three days or so.”We have to win every game and shouldn’t be thinking about other things

He was asked about the prospect of playing Atlético Madrid again next week, but for the time being he prefers not to comment on the cup quarter final. “The players are only focusing on Deportivo” he insisted. “We have to win every game and shouldn’t be thinking about other things. Right now, all we care about is tomorrow’s match. We’ll have time to talk about Atlético afterwards.”

As far as team news is concerned, Luis Enrique confirmed that Neymar is fine despite getting kicked in the heel at the weekend. And Xavi was able to train this morning but has not been given official medical clearance to play, for which reason the manager was unable to say whether or not his captain will be available for selection on Sunday morning.