Speaking ahead of Barcelonaa s Copa del Rey clash against Villarreal, manager Luis Enrique has backed Luis Suarez to succeed at Camp Nou while remaining coy over the future of Dani Alves. The manager also refused to comment on Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona eased past Atletico Madrid in the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey and have set up a date with Villarreal who have made it to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time. The Catalan club have staged a dramatic comeback after talks of a a crisisa situation earlier this year and the trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez is responsible for putting Barcelona back on the right track. Talking about Suarez, Luis Enrique insisted that the Uruguayan was an integral component of the team and will only improve during his stay at Barcelona.
“Luis SuA?rez takes part in nearly all our moves in attack that end in a goal. We are happy with all that he gives to the team and I’m sure he’ll improve. He’s going great guns.”
Dani Alves, whose contract with the Catalan club comes to an end this season, is yet to decide on his future. Manager Luis Enrique refused to comment on the situation and believes that Dani Alvesa contract will be sorted with the club at the end of the season.
“I don’t talk about these issues. The club and the player must be calm, everything can be sorted out in due course, not halfway through the season.”
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique also refused to comment on Real Madrida s heavy defeat against Atletico Madrid, a result that has brought the Catalans within touching distance of the league leaders in the race for the La Liga.
“I don’t talk about our rivals. What goes on with them is their business.”
Speaking about the Copa del Rey tie, manager Luis Enrique believes that Villarreal will prove to be a tough opposition as they are having a brilliant season.
“We go into the game in the same way we do a league match. We are out to win, to not let the rivals have many opportunities to score against us. Villarreal are having a spectacular season and it’ll be a tough game. Not receiving a goal is vital; our objective is to win.”
Finally, speaking about the turn-around brought on at the club, Luis Enrique insisted that though he is happy with the recent string of victories, he is hoping for more improvement in the days to come.
“The nine victories are great. A manager always wants his team to improve and get results.”