20.12.2010 17:44

Luis Enrique calls for more intensity

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barca B boss Luis Enrique is demanding more “intensity” from his players if they are to stay competitive in the Segona A division - “we have to get back to the habits we had before”, he explained.

Following the 1-1 draw against Ponferradina on Sunday, Luis Enrique spoke to the media and explained: “it was a complicated game for us. We were lacking rhythm in our passing and we were too predictable and slow, which meant we found it hard to get into dangerous positions in their box”.

“Fair result”

Luis Enrique continued: “the game was there for either team to take and the result was fair enough, we both had the chances to win it. I think they were the team who we made fewest chances against. Their goal just sums up our game today – it was a pity, but I’m not sure we deserved to win”.

“100% needed”

After six games without a win, Luis Enrique was critical of his team’s recent performances: “you have to deserve to win a game. I hope these results will serve to help us think about where we are right now and how we got here after a great start. Now we need to get the motor started again - you won’t win if you’re not playing flat out. We have to be 100% and if we aren’t then any opponent can do you damage”.

No relaxing allowed

The B team haven’t won since November 6th, having drawn the last five and lost once since then and Luis Enrique believes: “we can’t be positive. We’ve lost points here at the Miniestadi which we hadn’t expected to and at this level if you relax you can drop down the table in three games. We’re where we are because we deserve it, but if we don’t increase our rhythm and get back to the habits we started with, we’ll slip down the table”.

“A winning group”

However, Luis Enrique confirmed: “this is a winning group and we are all a bit down now. I won’t have it that we just a reserve team. A side shows that it can win from the start of a game till the end and that’s what I want from my team. Now the lads can go home for Christmas, but keep their thoughts on the game against Las Palmas on the second”.

2011

Asked what he wanted for his team in 2011. Luis Enrique answered: “I want to keep preparing them so that they can have the opportunity to go to Pep in the best conditions and be of use to him”. One of the players who’s had most chances with the first team so far is Thiago Alcántara and Luis Enrique concluded; “I hope and expect that he’ll continue to be a success up there and continue to learn because every minute he spends with that group is a minute of glory”.

Below are some of the players’ post match comments:

Abraham Minero
“They (Ponferradina) are a team who pressure a lot and they stopped us playing our game. That’s the way it is in this division though and we have to get used to that”.

“The team is good, very confident and although we’ve been held to a lot of draws, we are a dynamic group and we have to keep on working to improve”.

Edu Oriol
“We are an ambitious team and we want to do things right. It’s a pity we couldn’t end the year in fourth , but we will improve and end up towards the top of the table”.

“My best memory of 2010 has to be the promotion and the great atmosphere amongst the players”.

Jordi Masip
“Things have gone more or less as we wanted at home, but we have to get better on the road. With hard work and the excitement that the team feel, I’m sure we will get what we want”.

“I’m hoping for a lot of sporting success in 2011”.

Oriol Romeu
“It was a bitter sweet draw because after we had scored, they went and equalised with the next move”.

“We go into the break aware that we are up to the level and we could at the very least get into the play off zone, but it’s clear that every weekend is complicated and we have to work and fight hard. We are up against good teams and it’s not easy to win”.

Andreu Fontàs
“It was a perfect game to get back into winning ways and go on holiday more relaxed in fourth spot, but that’s the way it is”.

“I think you have to value very positively our start to the season - we are in the top spots in Segona A, a very difficult league, but we are a bit disappointed not to have taken the three points in the last few games”.