Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has called upon his squad to make a major mental and physical effort as the La Liga leaders prepare for Saturday’s testing trip to Sevilla.
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Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta are both missing through injury, leaving Barca without two of their most emblematic players as they head into a rematch of August’s bizarre and thrilling UEFA Super Cup final, which Enrique’s team won 5-4 after extra time.
Enrique is playing his cards close to his chest over his plans to replace the star duo, although Sergi Roberto and Munir El Haddadi have strong cases for inclusion after giving influential displays from the bench in Tuesday’s hard-earned 2-1 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Admitting his team faces a tough task, Enrique said: “It will be difficult to win, firstly because of our absences but also because it’s the last of seven games in 21 days and there is a lot of accumulated tiredness.
“In modern football it’s very difficult to keep on winning and always be competitive. Without Messi we’re missing the best player in the world, but success depends on the team.”
One of the tactical options being considered by Enrique is switching from his usual 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 shape, with Neymar and Luis Suarez together in attack.
There has been a marked difference in the form of the two South American stars in recent weeks, with Suarez registering three goals in the last two games – including a brilliant midweek winner against Leverkusen – while Neymar has struggled to make much impact.
The upcoming international fixtures will give Neymar a rare opportunity for a break after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected Brazil’s appeal to overturn his suspension following this summer’s Copa America.
And Enrique is clearly pleased by that decision, saying: “It’s good that he’s not going with Brazil. He can stay in Barcelona and rest. Suarez has always been vital for us.
Luis Enrique: “Whatever happens, we will try to win matches through our football to please the fans” #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/ucChaPQCpG
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 2, 2015
“He is key not just for his goals but also his character and the leadership he gives to the team.”
Another contender for action is Gerard Gumbau, a young midfielder who is being consistently preferred by Enrique to another rising star from the youth set-up, Sergi Samper.
Many fans and media have been calling for Samper to the senior squad instead, but Enrique was clearly irritated by a request for him to compare the two players, countering: “That’s an ugly question and I will not compare two players who are the future of Barca.”
Sevilla head into the game desperate to improve their league position after a slow start to the season which has seen them collect just one win – last weekend’s 3-2 home triumph over Rayo Vallecano – and five points from their opening six games.
They are also without several players through injury, including key midfield playmaker Ever Banega, but are hoping to welcome back striker Fernando Llorente and midfield man Vitolo.
Manager Unai Emery denied reports that his team’s poor form has created a strained atmosphere within the dressing room.
“That is not correct,” he said. “I live in that dressing room and I can see that everyone is united, working hard to achieve results.”
