Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique says equalling Pep Guardiola's record run of wins will mean nothing if his side fail to win titles this season.
Since their 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad last month, Barca have won 11 successive matches in all competitions for the first time since the 2008-09 season - the first campaign under Guardiola.
Luis Enrique, however, is far more concerned with his players enjoying their football - and the promise of lifting silverware at the end of the season,
"Guardiola's record? I didn't know I had equalled the 11 wins, records do not interest me. The idea is to enjoy ourselves," he told a press conference after the win over Levante.
"We’ll only value it when the season ends. If we win titles then that’d be very good.
"We've played a great second half. I'm happy. It's a victory that strengthens us all.
"This is a team that is accustomed to distractions from outside. It is important to focus and improve."
Lionel Messi - who struck a hat-trick on his 300th La Liga appearance - was once more kept out for the full 90 minutes but Luis Enrique is adamant it is better not to rest the Argentine,
"I don't bring him off because the idea is to get the most out of him," he said. "Against teams that sit back, we have to play with pace and power.
"Leo playing a lot is key for us. When there are players crowding the middle it’s difficult, but we knew he'd solve all our problems."
Pedro was handed a start in place of Luis Suarez and delivered an excellent display in the 5-0 win, leaving his coach rueful that he cannot allow him more regular action.
"It's a shame for me not to give more minutes to more people. Pedro is a key player for us, I would like to give him many more minutes because he deserves it," he added.
culled from goal.com
No comments:
Post a Comment