Luis Enrique has told his Barcelona team there’s no room for complacency as they begin their hectic start to the year. After a wonderful 2015 which saw them win five trophies, the Catalan giants are now sitting pretty at the top of La Liga with a game in hand on chasing Atletico and Real Madrid.
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– La Liga: January transfer window watch
But Enrique is wary of a January which will contain no less than nine fixtures if Barca are successful in overcoming today’s opponents Espanyol when the side meet again in a two-legged Copa del Rey tie over the next 10 days.
Enrique said: “We’ve got a month packed with fixtures and starting with three points is basic against a team who will be desperate to beat their eternal rival.”
Enrique still does not have his summer signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal available despite the club’s transfer ban being lifted, because the league’s offices are closed for Christmas, but is pleased they will soon be joining the team.
“The performances of Arda and Aleix will tell us how well they are adapted to the team,” he said. “But I am very happy for them because they’ve been waiting for a long time for this moment. They will give us necessary competition for places.”
Enrique reserved special praise for frontman Luis Suarez, whose two goals in Wednesday’s 4-0 victory over Real Betis took him to the top of the La Liga scoring charts. Suarez has netted 15 league goals while spending more time on the field than any other Barca player, and the Uruguayan’s manager is delighted with his contribution.
“I am not surprised Luis has been scoring so many goals,” he added. “He has been scoring goals all his life and he will continue to do so.”
MATCHDAY! @RCDEspanyol vs Barcelona, 18th match round of La Liga, kick-off 16:00 https://t.co/Q6VbrEC5tI pic.twitter.com/QCf68G1Az7
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) January 2, 2016
Meanwhile Espanyol striker Burgui, on loan from Real Madrid, has voiced his dislike for Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. Pique has become an extremely controversial figure due to his regular taunting of Madrid and his outspoken support for Catalunya to break away from Spain and form a new independent nation.
Pique has been loudly jeered by Spain fans during recent home internationals and criticised by several prominent figures in Spanish football, including Real fullback Alvaro Arbeloa.
Burgui said: “Pique is a good footballer but as a human being he leaves a lot to be desired.” However, the forward added: “I’d go out for a drink with Dani Alves because he’s always having a joke, like me.”
