FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has been criticized for his rotation policy by the sections of media. But the Andalusian has defended his strategy by claiming that he wants a 20 fit playersa in his squad as ita s a long season and he may not have all the players available for selection all the time.
Luis Enrique has changed his starting XI in almost every game of this season. The FC Barcelona coach has been slammed for his excessive rotation in Spanish media but Luis Enrique feels that there is nothing wrong in it as this a very long season and its almost impossible to have all the players available for election for every game.
“My ideal XI? We’re stronger with 20 fit and ready players. It’s a very long season, but we benefit in the long-term from players who play and can help us win games”, Luis Enrique responded when questioned on the matter in his press conference.
Luis Enrique is reported to be fighting for his job due to the recent struggles of FC Barcelona, both on and off the pitch. And the coach took a swipe at media for negative reporting of recent controversies surrounding Leo Messi and FC Barcelona.
a All it means is if we lose or if we draw then it’s party time for the media,” said Luis Enrique.
FC Barcelona play away from home against Deportivo La Coruna tonight and the coach was optimistic about this game.
Luis Enrique said: a We expect the usual difficulties that come with playing away from home. The pitch doesna t look in the best state and thata s a handicap. Then there’s our opponents, who are having a good season trying to climb out of the bottom of the table. Theya ll cause us problems in certain areas of the pitch.a
The FC Barcelona boss also provided an update on the fitness issues of star striker Neymar and captain Xavi. Luis Enrique revealed that Neymar is set to feature against Deportivo tonight but Xavi’s availability still up in the air due to a calf problem.
“Neymar is fine, he can play. Xavi doesn’t yet have medical green light, he trained normally, we’ll see tomorrow.”