Football
9y

Granada match a must-win for Barcelona, says Luis Enrique

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has called Saturday's La Liga game at Granada a must-win clash given his side's slip in the title race last weekend.

Barca had won 11 consecutive matches before last Saturday's shock home defeat to Malaga.

Malaga's defensive plan frustrated Barca to a such an extent that they managed just one shot on target through the second half of last week's defeat, which allowed leaders Real Madrid to again move four points clear in the title race.

The Blaugrana coach said in a news conference that he expected Granada to attempt to follow their fellow Andalucian side's lead and sit deep and defend, however generally Barca managed to find a way through, and they must do so this time given Madrid's lead.

"Sometimes you expect a tough game, and then it comes out more easy," Luis Enrique said. "Other times, it's the other way around. They make life difficult for us. We play 95 percent of our Liga games against opponents who sit back. It is the type of play we are most used to. Normally we are able to find solutions, but not always. Given our situation in the table, only a win is good for us. Nothing else."

Last April, Tata Martino's Barclona side lost 1-0 at Los Carmenes, in a result which ultimately cost them dearly in a tight title race. Granada are also six games unbeaten at home since the start of November, although coach Abel Resino has a selection headache, with a number of key players including usual starting centre-forward Youssef El-Arabi and playmaker Piti missing through suspension and injury.

"We expect a Granada team who need the points, and are very strong at home," Luis Enrique said. "We will have all the usual challenges. They will look to catch us on the break, and at set-pieces."

Luis Enrique welcomed the news of midfielder Sergio Busquets on Friday signing a new deal tying him to the Camp Nou until 2019.

"Busquets' new contract seems fantastic to me," he said. "He is a unique professional and his performance is above all doubts. He is one of our captains. It is good news for us."

The Asturian was less gushing when asked if he thought Barca's board should offer Dani Alves an extension to his contract -- which runs only until June -- but played down the Brazilian's angry reaction to being substituted at City on Tuesday.

"You [reporters] all know the confidence I have him," Luis Enrique said. "But that decision must be taken by the club. Dani is one of the most talkative players in the dressing room. He's optimistic, a winner. It would not be the first time a player has been angry at being substituted."

Asked about Xavi Hernandez, who was this week again linked with a summer move to New York City, Luis Enrique said that the veteran midfielder was making a valuable contribution even while not playing as often as others.

"Unfortunately I do not have playing minutes for everyone," he said. "There are always some players who get less time. [Xavi] is a key player for us, he contributes to the team in everything that happens."

Rotation could see Xavi return to the lineup for Saturday's game, with centre-back Marc Bartra also tipped to start given Gerard Pique is suspended.

"[Bartra] brings the same as the other centre-halves," Luis Enrique said. "He must take the ball out from the back, pace, be good in the air. Marc has all that. I am very happy with what he is bringing to us, but there is fierce competition for places."

There was also support for Barca centre-forward Luis Suarez, who after scoring twice in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League last-16 first-leg win at Manchester City, was wrongly accused by some in the English media of having attempted to bite City centre-back Martin Demichelis.

"Unfortunately it is normal in some places that these campaigns take place," Luis Enrique said. "We already know [Suarez] is being watched closely. We have seen it before with players, coaches and presidents."

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