FC Barcelona have started enjoying the counter attacking game under coach Luis Enrque this season but striker Leo Messi has said that there is no change in the philosophy of the club but they will continue to experiment with different playing styles as well.
FC Barcelona are on a winning streak of 11 straight games after their defeat against Real Sociedad and there is a visible change in the approach of the Catalans ever since. But Messi has said that the core philosophy of the club has not changed.
“We have two things: a more direct game and another passing game. We can look for the counter-attack, with gaps behind their defenders, but there is also the other way of playing which we haven’t lost, which is the Bar a philosophy.”
“The team’s objective is the same as always. We play for FC Barcelona and are therefore obliged to try to win everything. Unfortunately, last year we didn’t manage even one title; we hope we do in this one”, he said.
There was a spat between Messi and Luis Enrique during a game against Real Sociedad, which they eventually lost, but the striker opted to play down the importance of this incident and said that the team is more motivated to win the trophies now than ever before.
“Since Anoeta, the team’s attitude has changed, our motivation, the way we go out onto the pitch is different. The way we press, get the ball back and keep it, it’s not like we did before”, Messi enthused.
“You could see that after Anoeta, the players wanted to change the image that they had given of themselves and luckily we managed it. We are presently enjoying great form. But we also know that we haven’t won anything yet. We hope to carry on like this in order to win something.a
FC Barcelona will be playing against Man City in the second round tie of UEFA Champions League next week. And Messi said that he is optimistic about his teamsa chances of progressing into the quarters finals at the expense of the Citizens.
“We have been drawn against City, like last year. They’re a team with great players and so we face two very tough games. They are all out to qualify as last year they didn’t make it. It’s going to be a super game as they have reinforced their squad a lot.a