Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique believes the match against Roma on Tuesday will be crucial in determining whether his team qualify top of their group in the Champions League.
On the eve of the game at Camp Nou, the Spaniard stressed how his team will not sit on their laurels after victory in El Clasico but will be fully committed to getting three points.
“The game against Roma tomorrow is the penultimate in the group stage and will allow us to hold onto top spot,” Luis Enrique declared in the pre-match press conference. “We have to treat this game as vital and we will try to win it. This is our approach to every match and we showed that on Saturday at the Bernabeu.”
How do you think this game will be different compared to the match at the Stadio Olimpico?
“This match will be different because Roma need points so they have to come out on the attack. We’re expecting a much more open contest. I hope it will make for an interesting watch because both sides usually go out to play good football.”
According to the Catalan press, victory against Roma is already taken for granted. Is that what you think as well?
“No, journalists always exaggerate, both when you win and you lose. We are the guys out on the pitch and we need to be calmer and more balanced in our approach to these things.”
What are Roma’s strengths?
“Thinking about the first match at the Olimpico, I would say counter attacks without a doubt. However, I know that Mohamed Salah and Gervinho are both out injured and they are key to this type of game. As I’ve already said, Roma have to go for the win and in theory this means they will be more open compared to when we were in Italy. Nevertheless, we’ll see how they set up tomorrow and we will obviously do our best to pick up all three points.”
So Barcelona won’t change their approach based on how Roma line up?
“We won’t change at all. This has been the essence of Barcelona for a long time – regardless of the opposition, we always try to play our own game. Obviously we’ll react to how the opposition are performing and where they choose to press the ball in order to find the best solutions that allow us to express our brand of football, but the Barcelona way is simple and clear.”
What emotions did you take home from the fantastic victory in El Clasico?
“It was a great game and very important because Real Madrid are our historic rivals. Aside from this, nothing else – we picked up three points and now we’re focusing on Roma.”
Once you finish your time here in Catalonia and Garcia moves on from Roma, could you ever see yourself on the Giallorossi bench again?
“Who knows? Of course, I will happily come back to see the city and enjoy the magic place that is Rome. Returning as coach is always difficult, but… who knows?”
Source: asroma.it