On the upcoming Sunday, the winner of the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona, will travel to Japan to compete for the Club World Cup, but on the eve, Saturday, the Catalan team will face a national championship match against Deportivo La Coruna.
This fact was emphasized by Barcelona's head coach Luis Enrique during a press conference held on Friday.
According to the coach, it would be dangerously complacent if his players were already living with the mood of the trip and underestimating the opponent, Deportivo.
"In order to defeat Deportivo, we will need the support of the fans, so I hope that the stands will support us with all their might. Deportivo is one of those teams that surprises me the most. They can make life difficult for any leader, so in the match, the players will need to be at their best," pondered Luis Enrique.
The coach was delighted that Sergi Roberto, who had missed several matches due to a minor injury, returned to the lineup. This means that Barcelona's defensive line will become more versatile.
"I have already talked to my players and warned them of the danger that lies ahead. Deportivo likes to play tough football because they are a team that is very well physically prepared and has already scored 10 goals this season by forward Lucas Perez," said the coach of the Catalan club.
By the way, Lionel Messi already participated in Friday's Barcelona training session.
There were rumors that the Argentine was injured in the match against Bayer Leverkusen, and the rumors were further fueled by the fact that the forward missed the team's practice on Thursday.
However, it seems that these rumors will remain just rumors - L. Messi trained at full capacity and it is almost certain that he will start the match against Deportivo from the very first minute.
Luis Enrique also commented on Neymar's situation.
Before the match against Bayer Leverkusen, the Brazilian suffered a foot injury and it was announced that he might miss the Club World Cup matches in Japan. However, Barcelona's coach is not inclined to think pessimistically.
"Every injury is bad news, but when you receive a detailed medical report, everything doesn't seem so bad. Neymar will definitely travel with the team to Japan and we believe that he will be ready to play in the final. Of course, if we make it there," noted the Spaniard.
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