Barcelona vs Leganes - Luis Enrique aims for Barcelona boost

Posted Saturday, February 18, 2017 by PA

Head coach Luis Enrique admits Barcelona's Valentine's Day mauling by Paris St Germain has been on his mind every day since, but the focus switches to beating LaLiga strugglers Leganes this weekend.

A 4-0 Champions League defeat in Paris on Tuesday saw speculation increase regarding Enrique's future at the Nou Camp, with a likely last-16 exit coupled to their disappointing domestic campaign.

They trail Real Madrid in the Spanish league, however Enrique insisted at his press conference ahead of Sunday's game that he had paid no attention to talk in the media.

"Criticism doesn't affect me, because otherwise I could not have kept this role for three years," Enrique said.

"Fortunately there is a considerable distance between the press and the club.

"I don't listen to (the press), I'm not going to do it this week. I won't go within 10 metres of a TV or radio."

He added, according to Marca.com: "I have had (the PSG loss) in my head every day and it will be there every night for a month, but we cannot focus on it. There are other games.

"Whatever happens, these next few months have nothing to do with my future decision, and I haven't made that decision yet."

Leganes are the lowest scorers in LaLiga with only 15 goals in 22 outings, although the top-flight debutants currently sit two points and one place clear of the relegation places.

"It's a different game after the game last Tuesday, it will be a good game to see who's responded well to our difficult situation," added Enrique.

"To improve we need the ball, to attack and defend as a team, and to stop our opponents from making interceptions."

Enrique will be without defender Aleix Vidal, who has been ruled out for the season with a broken ankle, as well as suspended midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Javier Mascherano is back in training having missed the last two games with a hamstring problem.

Leganes coach Asier Garitano rejected the suggestion Tuesday's Champions League result made Barcelona vulnerable, adding that his own side could use a confidence boost after a 2-0 defeat to relegation rivals Sporting last time out.

"They (Barcelona) are above winning or losing a game," he said.

"I'm sure they did not expect a defeat like this, it's possible that the mood is not good.

"Ours was also a little touched after falling to Sporting. For Barcelona it is also good that Leganes are not going at their best.

"We are going to continue competing against a rival that motivates us a lot."