The Blaugranas kicked of their pre-season tour of the USA with a 2-1 win against LA Galaxy and Luis Enrique was satisfied with his team's performance and also spoke on the future of Adriano and Pedro
Goals from Luis Suarez and Sergi Roberto gave the Catalans a 2-1 win in front of a record breaking crowd at Rose Bowl stadium and Luis Enrique was pleased with his team's performance.
In his post-match press conference, Luis Enrique spoke about his side’s victory over the reigning MLS champions and admitted that he liked what he saw in many key areas.
“Overall, the players looked like they had a good rhythm. We have had a lot of training sessions, but also a lot of travelling and appearances. I’m very happy with the performance.”
“For us, at this point in the season, it’s clear that there will be a lot of rotation. We’ve repeated a lot of the good things from last season but we still have room for improvements.”
“The intensity and the play is the same. We’ll be a team ready for battle and we can’t relent. I really liked what I saw from the team.”
Luis Enrique was then asked about the recent speculation linking Barca forward Pedro Rodriguez with a move to Manchester United and a reported agreement over the transfer of left-back Adriano Correia to AS Roma, with the 45-year-old insisting that they are both Barcelona players until a club meets their release clauses and while he has spoken to them both, he will not reveal the issue he discussed with them.
“I've spoken to Pedro and Adriano,” he said. I am interested in everything that happens with my team but what I am not going to say are the details of our conversation.”
Regarding Pedro specifically, Luis Enrique insisted it's the forward's decision if he'd stay or leave the club.
“Those who leave the club do so because a team has paid their release clause. It is the player's decision [if he stays or not], he'll say something, I'll say something and then we'll all say something.”
The Asturian coach went on to add that he isn't a follower of the MLS, but was impressed with what he saw from the LA Galaxy game praising them for their attacking style of play.
The manager went on to state that Douglas and Thomas Vermaelen could feature against Manchester United this Saturday but it will depend on what they do in training.
Luis Enrique then spoke on the absence of star man Lionel Messi saying the Argentine is very important to the team but needs some rest.
“He (Messi) is the best player in the world. He has done a lot of things we have enjoyed that now, it's time for him to get some rest.”
