Luis Enrique talks Pedri, Hansi Flick, Xana and Dembele ahead of UCL clash against Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona are gearing up for their toughest challenge yet this season as they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow.

It will be a special game for Luis Enrique, who returns to Barcelona as a European champion once again, though this time in PSG colours.

Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Enrique talked about PSG’s preparations, injuries, Pedri and a myriad of other topics.

What Luis Enrique said ahead of Barcelona tie

First and foremost, Enrique thanks Barcelona president Joan Laporta for a special gesture regarding his late daughter, Xana.

“First, I would like to thank the president for this wonderful gesture of placing the name of the “Xana” foundation on Paris Saint-Germain’s jersey in Barcelona tomorrow,” he said.

“For us, as an institution, it is a very special gesture. There should be this space for visibility.

“To continue helping families and children. It is a very special moment for us. We will never forget this gesture. I would like to thank the president again,” he added.

As for his return to Barcelona, Enrique expressed his delight at returning to a city which is very close to his heart.

“It’s always wonderful to be in Barcelona because it’s my home. This is the place where I lived through almost the best part of my career as a player and as a coach. It’s always special to be in Barcelona with the sun, as usual,” he said.

“Barcelona is my city, my home. I was here for 8 years as a player and captain, and I was also a coach for several years. I can’t say a single negative thing about Barcelona. I will always be grateful to them forever.

Luis Enrique feels loved at Barcelona. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“When I return to Barcelona, I find many people who love me, and that’s the most beautiful thing I’ve gained in my career: the love of the fans,” he added.

Enrique was asked about Montjuic as well, and how PSG feel about becoming the first team to play in front of the newly-built Camp Nou.

“It’s true that it’s not the Camp Nou, but it’s a very beautiful stadium. And there are memories like the opening of the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona when I was here. It’s very special to be here,” he said.

As mentioned earlier, Enrique returns to Barcelona as a European champion once again, to which the PSG coach highlighted how grateful he feels towards the press as well as the fans.

“In terms of the press, I have always felt appreciated,” he said. “It’s a different kind of affection. When there’s a lot of criticism, it’s another way of expressing love. It’s a different way, but you have to know how to appreciate it.”

“I’m lucky, because everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve felt loved—this is my third year here, and from the beginning, I’ve felt supported by the club, the people, and all the supporters,” he added.

Shifting focus to tomorrow’s game, Enrique was asked about PSG’s four key absentees, including Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele as well as star attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Enrique, though, said PSG is a complete team, implying that he is more than happy with the players he has at his disposal right now.

“There are many different ways to assess this, but I believe you can either have excuses or have results, and we never stop achieving results,” he said regarding the injuries.

“Whoever plays tomorrow will be part of a team, a real team, as we believe we are. And tomorrow, we will go to prepare for the match in the same usual way, the best way to face the opponent and strive to win the match,” he added.

While PSG will have four confirmed absentees for tomorrow’s game, there is a sense of uncertainty surrounding the club’s midfield department as well, with Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz recently suffering from physical issues.

“We have to wait for the training session we’ll hold today. I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know. In terms of our mentality regarding taking risks with players, I think the decision will depend more on the players than on me,” he said.

“They themselves need to feel ready. It’s an important match, but it’s not a decisive one. In this regard, we are calm.

“We will conduct the training session, and then tomorrow we’ll see how the players feel. There are other players who may or may not participate. We’ll see that tomorrow,” he added.

Speaking of midfield, Enrique was asked about Pedri, who, at the press conference, admitted he feels vengeful having suffered a defeat against PSG last time.

“Any loss last year against us?” Enrique asked the reporter, who responded, “The 4-1 loss… two years ago.”

“Yes, two years ago, that’s right. Last year we didn’t play against Barcelona – what I can say is that it will be something beautiful,” he replied.

The PSG coach, though, did not feel shy about heaping praise on Pedri, even comparing him to Harry Potter.

“I think Pedri knows me well and knows very well what we were doing in the national team – for me, Pedri is undoubtedly “Harry Potter”. I hope he doesn’t come out tomorrow with his magic wand,” he said.

“We will do our best to ensure he participates as little as possible, but he will definitely participate, because Barcelona isn’t just Pedri. There’s Frenkie de Jong in the midfield, there’s Cubarsí at the back, there’s Lamine Yamal,” he added.

The Spanish tactician went on to heap praise on Barcelona and the way they have been playing football lately.

“There’s a whole group of high-level players, but this match carries a special motivation. It’s difficult to beat a team that excels at controlling the ball. They achieved great results last season, and they’re having a very good season this year as well,” he said.

Hansi Flick has been central to Barcelona’s success. But when asked how the German’s version of Barcelona is quite similar to the kind of football Enrique professes.

“For us, it’s exciting and enjoyable to play against a team that has the same mentality, and a coach of a very high level, whom I’ve known for a long time,” he replied.

Luis Enrique heaped praise on Hansi Flick and his system. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“With the mentality that their coach and players have, it’s the same identity, the same playing philosophy, the pursuit of playing good football, and the aim to win matches regardless of the result.

“I think there are similar teams, and the key tomorrow, for me, is which team will be able to control possession of the ball,” he added.

Finally, Luis Enrique was asked about the differences between this version of Barcelona and the one from two years ago. The Spaniard, though, dealt with this question very diplomatically.

“I think comparison is not the best thing. We shouldn’t compare between two teams, nor even between two coaches, because the situations are completely different,” he said, refusing to take any sides.

Enrique did, however, shower praise on Flick for the identity and commitment he has introduced at Barcelona.

“The only thing I want to say is that I have loved this team led by Flick from the beginning, because he brought back the footballing idea that characterises Barcelona.

“He is a coach who doesn’t dodge or take unnecessary risks, but attacks, uses players with an attacking character, and knows very well how to defend, and delivers very high-level football, and adapts to all situations within the match. It is a team I love watching.”

Finally, Enrique reminded everyone that he is still a ‘socio’, who follows all of Barcelona’s matches.

“You know that I am a “socio” (club member), I am a fan, and I follow all of Barcelona’s matches, and it is a team I love watching because it entertains me a lot,” he concluded.

Source: Diario SPORT