Luis Enrique insists he will persist with misfiring striker Luis Suarez for Barcelona’s trip to Elche on Saturday despite the Uruguayan star’s ongoing woes in front of goal.
– #Quiz360: WIN a six-month Target Gym membership
– From Pirlo to Abdulrahman: Five of the best Panenka penalties
Suarez has scored just two league goals in 11 La Liga appearances for his new club, and was guilty of missing a hatful of presentable chances in Barca’s victories over Deportivo La Coruna and Atletico Madrid in the past week.
#FCBLive @LUISENRIQUE21 “We’re thrilled with everything @LuisSuarez9 gives us and will give us” #ElcheFCB pic.twitter.com/C4HjSI43DV
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 23, 2015
But the former Liverpool and Ajax star does have better memories of this evening’s opponents Elche having netted against them in the Copa del Rey earlier this month, and he is set to start alongside inform Lionel Messi and Neymar at the Estadio Martinez Valero.
And Enrique believes it is only a matter of time until Suarez starts to find the back of the net on a regular basis, saying: “It’s something that can happen to any striker.
“When you move to a new team and a new country, it’s normal that you need a period of time to adapt. There’s no magic formula but I am not worried at all. The goals will come, I am certain.”
The Barca boss is also happy with the striker’s general contribution to the team, in particular his ability to unsettle the opposition defence with penetrating runs inside the penalty area.
“Even though he’s not scoring, he’s having chances in every game and he is bringing a lot to the team,” added Enrique.
“There aren’t many players who offer the same kind of movement inside the penalty area as Luis and I value that highly. We are very happy with his performances.”
Another South American meeting with Enrique’s approval is versatile Argentine Javier Mascherano, who has become one of the coach’s most trusted performers.
Mascherano has started 22 games for Enrique this season, receiving more playing time than any other central defender at the club, and he is invariably the recipient of Enrique’s in-game tactical instructions.
“There are players who carry a certain amount of weight within the squad even though they don’t wear the captain’s armband, and that’s Mascherano,” said Enrique.
“I’m very happy with him because he offers so much both on and off the pitch.”
Ivan Rakitic will be rested for tonight’s trip to Elche, who have won their last two league games to climb out of the bottom three, with his place likely to be taken by Xavi.
Enrique said: “I am convinced that Elche will come out with intensity and will try to hurt us on the counter-attack.”
