Celta Vigo vs Barcelona - Luis Enrique hails Iniesta before 600th Barcelona game

Posted Saturday, October 01, 2016 by PA

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is looking forward to watching his former team-mate reach an impressive landmark against Celta Vigo.

Andrea Iniesta is set to make his 600th appearance for Barca after graduating from the famous La Masia academy - making his debut for the first-team in October 2002 against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The Spain international played alongside his manager during Enrique's last two seasons at the club before his retirement in 2004.

Speaking to media in Saturday's press conference ahead of this weekend's LaLiga clash, Enrique said: "I was fortunate that I once called him a team-mate and so I feel doubly privileged.

"To have played 599 games is incredible and I hope that he will play many more than 600. It makes me very happy."

The Barca boss has also backed new signing Paco Alcacer after he joined Barca in a big-money move from Valencia. The striker is filling the small void left by the injured Lionel Messi in the forward line.

Alcacer has failed to the find the back of the net since his arrival at the Nou Camp but his manager was more than happy with what he has seen from the 23-year-old striker.

Enrique said: "He arrived at the end of pre-season which makes things difficult but I'm pleased. I'm happy with the performances of all of my players, especially with Paco Alcacer."

"Alcacer has been wonderful, he has been almost perfect - He has done everything that I have asked with his performances.

"I didn't expect him (Messi) to be fit (all the time) and we know that to win titles you need a big squad and that's what we have."

The striker has not put any pressure on himself to succeed at Barca and he believes his first goals for the club are just around the corner.

Alcacer told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo: "I feel very good. It's hard at first when you join such a big club with unique players, it's normal, but thanks to them they've made it all the more easier, in terms of training, fitting in.

"There are players on this team that will make anyone coming in a better player. The basis of my reasons for coming here is that it's an exciting project, and for me to sign for Barcelona is a big step in my career. I think I've done well to come here.

"It's clear that strikers are judged on goals, but if I'm here then it's because they (Barca) have seen something in me, and in the end they will come like last year, when it also took me a while to get going. I'm consoled a bit by the fact Villa and Luis Suarez struggled at first."

Hosts Celta head into the game with the reigning LaLiga champions at Balaidos in good form after winning their last three games in all competitions, including Thursday night's 2-0 Europa League victory against Panathinaikos.

Manager Eduardo Berizzo will be hoping his Celta side can put a dent in Barcelona's title defence with a repeat of last season's 4-1 victory and extend their unbeaten run before next week's international break.

Claudio Beauvue (Achilles) and Carles Planas (leg) are ruled out through injury while the match comes too soon for winger Fabian Orellana (leg) despite the returning to training with the group on Saturday morning.