Luis Enrique has urged his Barcelona players to take nothing for granted as they attempt to climb to the top of La Liga by defeating Rayo Vallecano in today’s early kick-off.
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Real Madrid’s loss to Athletic Bilbao means that the Catalan team can overhaul their eternal rivals two weeks ahead of El Clasico, but Enrique was eager to caution his men that Rayo will be no pushovers.
Paco Jemez’s mid-table team have established a reputation as one of the most attack-minded sides in Spain, and they made headlines last weekend by defeating Levante 4-2 thanks to four goals in the space of 15 minutes from frontman Alberto Bueno.
Enrique is a big admirer of his former Spanish international teammate Jemez, and he laughed: “I never imagined that behind that tough centre half there was a coach with such an attacking mentality.
“He has shown that he can be brave and that even with a small budget you can play attractive football. He is one of the best coaches in La Liga and it would be good to see him at a bigger club with more potential.”
And the Barca boss doesn’t expect Rayo to rein in their free-flowing style for today’s trip to the Nou Camp, saying: “All opponents pose their own threat, but Rayo are one of the teams with most personality in the league. They are one of the few teams who will challenge us for possession. If they pressure us well and we aren’t at our best then we will suffer.”
Barca will be without midfielder Sergio Busquets, who faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury in the midweek Copa del Rey semi-final triumph at Villarreal, and although Javier Mascherano is likely to deputise Enrique insisted he has options.
“It’s Mascherano’s natural position but Xavi, Rakitic and Sergi can all play there as well,” he said. “I’m not giving any clues away.”
Another absentee is the suspended Neymar, with Pedro set to start as Enrique said: “Pedro has a lot of qualities – he’s good one on one and he scores goals.”
