Barcelona vs Espanyol - Luis Enrique focused on making Barcelona better

Posted Saturday, December 17, 2016 by PA

Luis Enrique is solely focused on building "a better version" of the Barcelona team who are currently struggling to emulate former glories.

With almost half of the LaLiga season played, reigning champions Barca are six points behind fierce rivals Real Madrid and misfiring across the domestic competitions.

The Catalans have drawn three of their last four league games and were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Hercules in the first leg of a recent Copa del Rey meeting.

Sunday's 'Derbi barceloni' against Espanyol offers Barca the opportunity to make up ground on Real, who are busy competing in the Club World Cup in Japan.

Head coach Luis Enrique will not let himself or his players become distracted by events elsewhere, however, insisting the derby will offer enough to worry about.

"Derbies are different to other matches," he said at his pre-match press conference. "Both teams are playing well at the moment, so it will be an intense game.

"Espanyol away from home are a tough team and they've picked up some good results recently. We can't afford to give them any space.

"Derbies are nice to play in and they generate excitement before, during and after the actual match.

"We're always looking to improve and become a better version of ourselves, irrespective of the result.

"The only way we can put pressure on the leaders is by winning our own matches. That is our goal."

Barca received a timely boost this week with striker Luis Suarez signing a new five-year contract.

"I am feeling overjoyed about being where I want to be. I feel very happy," said Suarez.

"It was the decision that we all wanted, both the club and me, we have a great relationship.

"Any player would want to end their career at a club where they feel comfortable. We'll have to see, but I will never lose either my ambition or my enthusiasm."

Meanwhile Espanyol, who have not won the derby since 2009, could reach the fringes of the Europa League places with an unlikely victory at the Nou Camp.

Quique Sanchez Flores' men are unbeaten since September, keeping seven clean sheets across that run, but midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado knows a defensive shutout will not suffice.

"We know it's very difficult to score there, and win," he told Espanyol's official website. "Hopefully we will be able to achieve a positive result. We're going there with a plan to give them a good game.

"The derby has special rivalry and tension but the three points are worth the same as usual."