Luis Enrique: Longer break for MSN? To be a coach is to take risks
The Barcelona boss won't have any of his three forwards with the squad for the Copa game
Luis Enrique explained in his press conference to preview the game against Hercules that if he’s given extra days off to Messi, Suarez, Neymar and Pique it’s because “the best for the players after so many games.”
The Barcelona coach was also optimistic as he looked ahead to the New Year and analysed the personal situations go Neymar and Jasper Cillessen, who could minutes in goal in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey game at Camp Nou.
“It’s my third season, I’ve done it in previous seasons,” he said about the break for four players. “I don’t think it’s a risk, but to be a football coach is to take risks anyway. It’s good for the players, they’ll have a longer rest. And regardless of winter break, I wouldn’t have selected them for the game. I haven’t in other seasons.”
On Neymar, who’s now nine games without a goal for his club, Luis Enrique added: “We have to look at the amount of assists he created in other seasons [as well] because this season he’s created a lot, surely more.
“But I don’t focus on the details of goals or assists. At the end of the day don’t think [how many goals he’s scored] is important.
“He’s a fundamental player for us, not just going forward, but also in defence and I am happy with how he’s playing. He’s an ambitious player and his objective is to improve his numbers and I am sure he will.”
The Barça boss also said he was impressed with Dutch goalkeeper Cillessen: “He has not surprised me. He has had no problems settling because he’s come from Ajax. I like the way he competes, the way he trains and I think he’s been a great signing and it means we have three great goalkeepers.”
