With four games separating his table-topping team from the title, Luis Enrique insists Barcelona are only focusing on what they have to do rather than worrying about the threat from Real Madrid.
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The Catalans travel to bottom-placed Cordoba this afternoon knowing that Madrid face a stiff examination against Sevilla later in the day, with the distinct possibility of Barca’s challenge being boosted by their nearest rivals dropping points.
Enrique is philosophical about that prospect, however, saying: “If we win all our games, it doesn’t matter what everyone else does.
“Obviously I would prefer Madrid to drop points. And I would prefer to have won the league title 15 games ago. But we can only worry about our own games, which are independent of anyone else. There is a league title at stake and the players know that.”
Barcelona’s record against Cordoba 16W – 1D – 4L #fcblive Goals: 52-18 [infographic by @newsfcb] pic.twitter.com/Mohe0XKB6M
— Sextuple (@BarcaStat) May 1, 2015
Today’s encounter is even more significant for hosts Cordoba, who will be relegated with anything less than a victory.
The Andalusian team, who were promoted through the play-offs at the end of last season, have only won three league games all season – most recently in January.
Cordoba’s dire form is illustrated by their statistics of just two points gained and six goals scored from their last 15 league encounters, but Enrique believes they will be determined to go down in a blaze of glory.
“They are in big trouble and that can have a liberating effect,” he added. “I am convinced it will be tough and we will go into the game not thinking about where they are in the table.
“We know that when the first whistle blows, there is no credit in the bank. Every victory has to be earned.”
Today’s match is Barca’s last before their eagerly-anticipated Champions League clash with Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, and Enrique is not concerned by the fact that Bayern – with the Bundesliga title already won – can already fully focus on their European endeavours.
“It’s neither an advantage nor disadvantage for us,” he said. “It means we will be already fully awake.”
Enrique has signalled his intention to take Cordoba with all seriousness by naming a full-strength squad, leaving behind only fringe players such as Douglas, Martin Montoya and Sergi Roberto.
That suggests the Barca coach is intent upon focusing his core players together for this pivotal stage of the season.
“We can’t stop,” he said. “The goal for Barca is always to win trophies. We have not done that yet but we are in the position to do it. This is a marathon and we’re coming into the final straight in good shape.”
