Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has defended his decision to allow superstar forwards Lionel Messi and Neymar to take additional rest over the festive period.
Messi and Neymar only returned to full training on Friday with Barcelona’s last match on December 20, giving both players a lengthy three-week break.
The high-profile duo, who have accounted for nearly two-thirds of their team’s goals in La Liga so far this season, were allowed to return from festive celebrations in their native South America later than their team-mates and have only spent two days back in training ahead of today’s clash at the Anoeta.
Refusing to confirm whether his two star performers will start the game, boss Enrique also declined the opportunity to explain exactly why they, along with fellow South American Dani Alves, had been given a longer break than their team-mates – but admitted the policy will be criticised if his team fails to collect three points.
“All the players returned looking good, at the right weight, and refreshed mentally,” Enrique said. “I’d give them the same amount of time off again, but I know if we don’t win all of our games it will be questioned.”
Another doubt is right-back Alves, who was the only other player allowed to return to training on Friday, and is still struggling with a hamstring injury which forced him to miss the last two games before the Christmas break.
Although he refused to comment directly upon Alves’ long-term future with the club, Enrique did admit he is a big admirer of the wholehearted right-back’s abilities.
“I’m not willing to divulge everything I talk to the sporting directors about,” Enrique said. “But I’m delighted with his performances – he has acquitted himself at an extremely high level over the years.”
The Anoeta has been an unhappy hunting ground for Barca in recent seasons, with the Catalan club failing to win on any of their last five trips to San Sebastian.
Describing the encounter as “a nice test”, Enrique acknowledged the Basques as dangerous opponents and believes former Manchester United manager David Moyes has already made them a stronger outfit, with La Real having lost just once in seven matches under the Scot.
“They are playing at a good level and we have to be very attentive,” Enrique said. “If they are superior in any way we will suffer, for sure.
“Moyes has only been in charge for a few games but they have gained in intensity and aggression when they have the ball. They have left the danger zone and can start to climb the table now.”
