Despite having the opportunity to move into a six-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has downplayed the importance of today’s Clasico clash at the Bernabeu.
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Enrique’s side headed into the international break with a run of four consecutive victories, claiming a three-point advantage over their deadly rivals from the capital after Los Blancos suffered a 3-2 loss at Sevilla in the final game before the adjournment.
But the Barca boss is in no mood to hype up today’s clash as a potential title decider, arguing: “It is a very attractive, exciting and important game, but it’s only the 12th game of the season, so it won’t be decisive.”
Enrique’s relaxed attitude is in contrast to central defender Gerard Pique, who made headlines earlier this month by revealing the prospect of playing at the Bernabeu “turns me on”.
Reminded of that comment, Enrique smiled and added: “I am an iceberg,” before continuing his show of good humour by emphasising the lack of pressure he feels ahead of Saturday’s game, adding: “This is the best time of my managerial career. I sleep like an angel – ask my wife.”
In keeping with his ‘iceberg’ reference, ex-Madrid player Enrique is expecting a frosty welcome from the Los Blancos fans at the Bernabeu, but insists he would not have it any other way.
The issue of fan behaviour towards opposition players has been a hot topic in Spain for the last couple of years, with several clubs facing sanctions after their supporters were heard chanting provocative or abusive songs.
EcoDiario | After all the comments Pique said about Madrid, the Madridistas plan to give him an unforgettable welcome throughout the match.
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) November 20, 2015
In particular, Pique has been lambasted by patriotic Spain fans across the country during the national team’s recent home games.
Pique has made himself a national hate figure after mocking Madrid during Barca’s treble-winning celebrations at the end of last season, and for publicly backing the campaign for Catalonia to break away from Spain and form a new independent nation.
But Enrique, who was at Madrid between 1991-1996 before moving to the Nou Camp, is unperturbed by the prospect of his players facing a barrage of jeers and whistles at the Bernabeu, reasoning: “It would be logical for them to whistle all our players, and for our fans to do the same to them at the Nou Camp.
“That is football. It’s passion. We can’t go to the Bernabeu and expect them not to jeer us.”
And Enrique further underlined his relaxed approach to the contest by emphasising his confidence in his team’s abilities, by adding: “Madrid are one of the best teams in Europe. They have a lot of qualities and can cause us difficulties.
“If we don’t have a good day, they can beat us. But I don’t think they are superior to us.”
